While most of us will be looking forward to spending time with family, opening presents and eating food, there is a deeper meaning to Christmas than the aesthetics we indulge in.
Christmas marks the Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. This is a significant moment in Christianity as the birth had been prophesised for centuries prior.
BedfordshireLive spoke to two pastors at Christ Church Dunstable to get their reflections on the importance of Christmas.
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“For me, the message of Christmas is a message of hope for all people at all time,” said community engagement pastor Stephen Neal.
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“In the Christmas story we meet a bunch of shepherds in the fields above Bethlehem; suddenly an angel appears saying, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11)
“This tells us that the message of Christmas is one that should remove fear as it is good news which should bring great joy to who? To all people, in every place, of every social standing, in every era; including Bedfordshire in 2021. 2,000 years ago God sent his Saviour, Jesus, so that today, we can be saved from our sins, our broken hearts can be fixed, and our lives can be filled with hope and purpose, both now and into eternity. That is why Christmas is so important to me.”
Assistant pastor Ross Wilkinson gave his thoughts and reflections, through passages in Matthew’s Gospel.
“My verses are Matthew 2:-1-2, “After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi[a] from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
“These verses show us that Jesus’ birth is good news for everyone. The Magi [Wise Men], were from the East, which in the Bible symbolises those who are far from God. Jesus came for those in the “East”, and we, like the Mage/Wise Men, are invited to journey to meet him this Christmas, and worship him.”
Christ Church Dunstable has services across Christmas Eve and Christmas Day for all the family.
