The Most Wonderful Time of the Year? 

For many, Christmas isn’t the most wonderful time of the year, it’s full of chaos. The Christmas story is a helpful example of how chaos and hope co-exist. 

The Nativity story (Matthew 2:1-18) moves from the hope of the shepherds and wise men coming to visit the new born King, to a threatened King in Jerusalem making a decision fuelled by jealousy, to murder innocent children in Bethlehem. 

This brutal and cowardly act is a reminder to us all that a life fuelled by jealousy and self-centredness can lead to destructive behaviour. In all our hearts this advent, let’s be reminded of the effects that jealousy and hate can have. Let’s not make Christmas about ourselves. 

Maybe this Christmas, you are all too aware of the chaos, the pain, the grief, the hurt, the confusion or the trauma that comes with this season. As we look to the Christmas story we find hope among the chaos – the hope that in Jesus we have a Saviour who identifies with us (see Hebrews 4:15-16). Today, if you are dreading the chaos of Christmas, reach out to Jesus and experience his mercy and comfort.  

As much as chaos is inevitable in life, hope is eternal. Jesus’ first coming looked weak to the world, it was in stark contrast to the King sitting on the throne in Jerusalem. But the Bible makes it clear, His second coming will be a triumphant one. Triumphant in that chaos will reign no more, and hope will be our reality.  

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” (Revelation 21:4) 

Questions: 

1. How can you make this Christmas season less self-centred? 

2. When have you found Christmas to be a tough time? 

3. What could you/your connect group do this Christmas season to bring hope for others in the chaos?