A box full of straw… or, A Christmas Invasion!

This is what I recall about winter drawing in and Christmas beginning – a box full of straw.
Not for any religious or festive significance, you understand, but because just prior to festive preparation Blue Peter put their tortoises down for their annual hibernation. All packed up in boxes of straw. Oh, how I envied those creatures… but isn’t it strange how these animals despite living for hundreds of years and having an impenetrably sturdy defensive casing, they are still threatened by a little chill, what is all that about?!

Any way, this is my way of saying that I won’t be blogging until the New Year now, when I will be on Paternity leave – bliss.

Now, whatever you do while we are apart remember one thing – live it with vigour and rejoicing: Christ is the reason for the season!
Christmas is not about gifts, or family, or harmony; it is an invasion. Salvation’s victory in a manger!
Sin didn’t stand a chance, and God didn’t even need to utilise the infinite resources of His heavenly army; they weren’t required for this one sided battle, so they used their might to sing!

There were sheepherders camping in the neighbourhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God's angel stood among them and God's glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, "Don't be afraid. I'm here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Saviour has just been born in David's town, a Saviour who is Messiah and Master. This is what you're to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger."
At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God's praises: “Glory to God in the heavenly heights, Peace to all men and women on earth who please him."
As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the sheepherders talked it over. "Let's get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us." They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the sheepherders were impressed. Luke 2:8-18 MSG

Sing, sing, SING!

Joy to the World
A Saviour’s born.
Let Earth receive her King!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

- Andrew Carey