TIME FOR A simpler Christmas?
After a year of uncertainty, is it more important than ever for us to reflect on the true meaning of the season? We ask the Rev Andrew Ollerton from the Bible Society to share his thoughts
As a young boy, what mattered most at Christmas time was the size of my presents. So imagine my horror when on Christmas Eve, rummaging around under the tree, I discovered the largest present had my sister’s name on it while the smallest was addressed to me. To my shame, under the cover of darkness, I carefully peeled off the labels and swapped them over. As Christmas morning dawned, there were bemused looks as I unwrapped a basket of scented soaps while my sister opened the pocket army knife I so desperately wanted. During the festive season it’s all too easy to exchange the things that matter for the commercialised glitz and end up stressed and disappointed. This Christmas will be different, but perhaps the disruption to ‘Christmas as usual’ provides an opportunity to focus on what really matters. Although nativity plays are unlikely to be staged this year, there is much we can learn from the traditional story.
For example, the first nativity scene was surprisingly bare and minimalist – the newborn baby Jesus, a divine gift, was placed in a manger in a stable. The story reminds us that seemingly plain and simple things often prove to be of greatest worth.
Then there’s the lesson we can learn from Mary. Her world would have been
‘At a time when our world is feeling weary the true meaning of Christmas still contains the thrill of hope’
shaken when, as a teenage girl, an angel announced that she would soon fall pregnant outside of marriage, jeopardising her engagement and her reputation. But Mary responded with remarkable serenity and trust. Our desire to be in control and keep up appearances results in much stress and tension. Instead, as we enter the festive season why not take a moment to simply trust that things will work out and not be afraid?
Then the story tells us Joseph and Mary made the journey to Bethlehem. Despite being close to her due date, a Roman census law forced Mary away from her extended family in Nazareth, only to find there was no room in the inn. The nativity scene we’re all familiar with would have been a rather challenging setting for a teenager to give birth. However, once her newborn son was in her arms, Mary experienced a deep sense of peace – as one of my favourite carols, O Holy Night, puts it: “A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices.”
At a time when our world is feeling weary, the true meaning of Christmas still contains the ‘thrill of hope’. So let’s not exchange the real wonder for commercial trappings. They may seem more impressive but will leave us disappointed, like a seven-year-old boy with scented soaps. Instead, let’s follow Mary’s example, who found peace through the gift of Jesus.
Whatever the restrictions, we too can celebrate a simple Christmas by prioritising the gift of relationships. ■ Andrew’s new book, The Bible: A Story That
Makes Sense of Life,
is out now, rrp £14.99