Christmas is a time of giving, celebration and family time..
Christmas Connect 2021
It’s that wonderful time of year when we all start making a list and then checking it twice. Here at Maroba, we too have the joy of creating a new Maroba Christmas card, recheck our list of recipients so that they are ready for me to write a message with heartfelt Christmas blessings. On a personal note, I have already done my Covid Safe shopping and even completed the wrapping so that if my wheels fall off at the last minute, at least the gifts will find their way to my friends and loved ones. How about you?
There is plenty of time to buy or better still, create a unique gift for that special person. It might be a handmade card that reflects your artistic flare, it might be a decoration or handmade ornament that only you could put together. In a world where we have so much, there is something very special about a gift no one else can make or duplicate as they are unique, having been thoughtfully and lovingly created by you.
If you are like me, you might enjoy some craft time or colouring in time to help you unwind. So why not put that to good use and make some gifts? Gifts are a wonderful gesture to show our love, our care and our generosity to others – yes even if we keep giving and don’t receive a thing in return. Remember the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’. Surely this teaches us that there is real joy in the act of giving and let me add, especially when it is done with pure motives.
That is what Christmas is about, God gave us the greatest gift of all – His only begotten Son, Heaven’s darling, Jesus Christ of Nazareth. John 3:16 tells us ‘For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.’ This is why we proclaim that it is Jesus who is the reason for the season, and it is the gift that He offers to humanity that is the cornerstone of our Christian Faith.
We are at a time in history where things are looking very challenging. Indeed, Covid has shaken up everything that the world called ‘normal’, took for granted and depended upon, and now, nothing is like it once was. Climate change too is challenging the world eco systems and in our lifetimes, we are seeing the extinction of many vulnerable species that future generations will only see pictures of. There are wars and battles over territories and riches and we are left wondering where we will find Hope.
So, when you give or receive a gift or a card this Christmas take a moment to reflect on the Hope that is on hand through the Giver of every good and perfect gift. Look for the opportunity to reach out to others to share the good news of Christmas, and make sure you share the eternal hope that Jesus brings to a world in turmoil. Most importantly share that hope and love with all those who are such a vital and rich part of the fabric of your life. This love… the message of love Christmas brings, can be with or without wrapping! Let’s all try to be the Love we are looking for.
Viv Allanson
CEO