The true meaning of Christmas
Christmas is a magical time of year for many children, but it can easily become all about the presents. As Christians, we celebrate God sending His son into the world as part of His plan to bring salvation to people everywhere. As we are grateful to God for his gift of Jesus, Christmas is seen as a time for generosity and for thinking about the needs of others.
We have seen in a previous Update that the Reception Class led the Operation Christmas Child campaign this year, donating an amazing 66 shoe boxes filled with gifts, toys, books and stationery, alongside £387 to cover the costs of processing, shipping and training volunteers. These boxes of joy are given to children around the world who are in need and are a tangible way we can share God’s love. There is still time to join in, as you can build a shoebox or send a pre-packed box online!
Reaching those in our local community, each year we collect toy, gift and voucher donations for children aged 0-18 years who may not otherwise receive a present this year. Distributed through the Helping Each Other group to families direct and through the Lichfield Foodbank, Social Services, refuges for those who have experienced domestic violence, and through Birmingham Children’s Hospital, these donations make such a huge difference to children who need to feel the warmth, generosity and joy of Christmas, and who need our love and care. We will be collecting donations next week – simply take them to either reception at Longdon or Lichfield, you don’t even need to wrap them!
“Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”
St Teresa of Calcutta
Some families practise gratitude by writing down what they are grateful for on tags and hanging them on their Christmas tree. Others create a kindness advent calendar, using a perpetual calendar with pockets or drawers to store notes with tasks that children can do each day to show kindness to others, or simply draw a picture for someone they love.
There are many services in the Cathedral during Advent (starting this weekend with 6pm Advent Carol services on Saturday and Sunday) and Christmas which help us feel closer to God and remind us of the Bible’s description of the birth of Jesus. These may be stories with which we are familiar, but we have not focused on for many years, and maybe not imagined through the lens of parenthood. The story of Jesus’ birth is remarkable and is one of the most significant moments in history for Christians.
Christmas is a time for family and friends to come together, to show gratitude, and to spread kindness and generosity to others. Whether it’s through acts of charity, exchanging heartfelt gifts, or simply spending quality time with loved ones, Christmas is a reminder of the importance of compassion, unity, and the power of giving. So, as we approach this joyous season, let’s take a moment to pause and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas, and how we can infuse its spirit into our lives all year round.
Inservi Deo et laetare
