Advent

Christmas is nearly upon us and with all the present buying and food preparation its easy to forget what Christmas is all about.

A well-known atheist was being interviewed on radio 4 when asked how he spent his Christmas he said he went to midnight mass at church "but your an atheist" his interviewer protested "yes" he replied, "but they celebrate at Christmas the most beautiful story ever told"

That "beautiful story" tells of a creator who sent His son to share the life of His creation, to be born as a helpless baby, to grow up as a man of extraordinary wisdom, gentleness and love who was executed by the authorities for contradicting the traditions of the time. His followers- who today number about 2 billion people around the world believe He rose from the dead, and that by His death and resurrection He has made possible forgiveness and eternal life for men and women everywhere.

Probably the best known statue in the world is "Christ the Redeemer" towering over Rio de Janeiro, His arms outstretched in blessing. Christmas celebrates the birth of that great redeemer- a tiny baby laid in a feeding trough. His birth changed history, His life transformed our understanding of what it means to be human. His death was at one and the same time a tragedy and a triumph. Yes it is "the most beautiful story ever told" Enjoy it again this Christmas. This is a story of hope and love and of heaven touching earth.