Excitement is building in the Taylor household….It’s almost Christmas. Only 2 sleeps left! This truly is a special time of year for us.

Until a few days ago, I still wasn’t sure whether my dad would be able to join my mum, my sister and her family at our house for Christmas. Needless to say, I was absolutely delighted when dad confirmed he’d be well enough to travel.  I can’t wait to have my entire family gathered around the table this year as it groans under the weight of the Christmas dinner.

It’s not all Ho! Ho! Ho!

I know that for some people, Christmas can be a difficult and painful time of year. Some will be missing loved ones. Others will be finding it tough time because their lives are difficult, financially, emotionally and relationally and it’s felt even more keenly during the festive period.

For us, as I’ve mentioned before, as well as the joy of the Christmas period, we remember the sudden loss of my father-in-law on Boxing Day three years ago. Yet, as youngest said in a note to her dad:

We don’t believe it’s the end of the story. We’ll see him again.

A Good News story.

You see, I believe Christmas is a Good News story, whatever your situation or circumstance. Some of you may dismiss it as suspicious nonsense. Some of you may think ‘that’s all very well, but not for me.’ Some of you may feel a bit ‘put out’ that I’m mentioning Jesus at all, even at Christmas time (if so, just skip along to the end and watch the absolutely fabulous Children’s Nativity video). As a Christian, I really believe that now more than ever we live in a world in need of a Saviour, so how can I possibly let Christmas come and go without sharing the Good News?

What’s seen is temporary, what’s unseen is eternal.

In this world you will have trouble. But take heart. I have overcome the world!  John 16:33b

Life isn’t fair, is it? The bad guys sometimes seem to be winning. People commit terrible crimes and seem to ‘get away’ with it. Bad things happen to good people. But, as a Christian, I know God has a rescue plan which means that one day all of the wrongs will be made right. Also, because Jesus died for my sins, I know that when I take my last breath, death won’t be the end but just the beginning.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

The Christmas Story is Good News.  In fact, the Christmas Story, God’s rescue plan, is the BEST NEWS EVER.

The message of Christmas.

I’m a visual kind of person. I like stories with pictures. I like films and video clips. Often they can convey and articulate so much more than the written word.

So let me finish up with a video we love to watch at Christmas time:

The story of Christmas as told by the children of St Paul’s Church, Auckland, New Zealand.

Merry Christmas Everyone.

It’s hard to believe it’s been a year since I left my pharmacy career and published my first Maflingo blog post.  Hopefully, I’ll be able to fill you in on my plans for my blog when I get back in the New Year.

I’ll be taking a much-needed break from my blog over the Christmas period to spend time with family and friends. I’ve scheduled some automated posts and dipped into the Maflingo archives.

Before I go, I’d like to take a moment to say a big ‘thank you’ to you, my readers. Whether you’ve only just discovered my little blog or whether you’re a regular reader, I am so grateful you’ve taken the time to stop by.

May you have a very special Christmas and a Happy New Year!