The Nativity of the Lord follows the wonderful Season of Advent, a time where Christians prepare and recall the Birth of Jesus in a stable in Bethlehem. The word Nativity come from the Latin; nativitas, meaning "birth”.

In the Christmas story, we celebrate the newness of life, we celebrate hope and we celebrate the love God has for us.

In the Christmas story, we think of Mary and Joseph gazing at their baby son, wondering what life might hold for this vulnerable little one.

In the Christmas story, we see the humanity of Jesus, emptying himself of his equality with God, and becoming one of us.

In the Christmas story, we are challenged to carry the Infant Jesus in our hearts, into the dark places of the world, to carry him to those who are broken, hurt, and wounded.

In the Christmas story Mary and Joseph were the first to love Jesus, we as Christians also must make that love real.

Wishing you all a Holy and grace filled Christmas and Happy and safe New Year.          

A few lessons from the magi [three wise men] this Christmas: 

One, pay attention to the sign. Only the magi recognised the star because only they were paying attention. God still speaks but only those who pay attention will hear Him. 

Two, there will be moments of uncertainty. There is a time where the star disappeared. The star reappeared again after they left Herod’s palace. Following Jesus doesn’t mean having answers all the time. 

Three, God will always make a way. God will always make sure your star reappears. 

Four, worship is ascribing worth to something. They didn’t give because the baby was poor. Their gifts ascribed worth to Jesus. We don’t know what they got but we know what they gave. Our service and gifts ascribe worth to God. 

What an extraordinary event Christmas celebrates. It happened just 25 average lifetimes ago, when God took our humanity upon himself.

Born as a baby, growing as a man, showing us what God is like, and then taking the full punishment for our sin upon the cross. Jesus is truly unique.

And where is Jesus now? In heaven and waiting to return again in glory, not as a baby but as the king of the universe.

He will call us all to account on that day and has told us in advance how to be ready, by trusting him as our Saviour and Lord.

How good of him to give us another Christmas to celebrate his birth and make sure we are ready for his return. 

Looking for a feeling this Christmas? Many are.

Whether it’s the memories that used to make up Christmas from our childhood, or the desire to create the ‘right’ atmosphere for loved ones, we can easily find ourselves dissatisfied.

Peace at Christmas is not really about what we can do, but about what God has already achieved in giving the Christ Child to be born into our world. 

‘Another year over and a new one just begun’?  But whatever our lot has been, Christ the rescuer has come, and that is enough.

As we dive into the busyness of Christmas, I am reminded of the peace that Jesus, whose birth we celebrate, came to bring us. Not absence of war, but peace between God and humanity. Our sin separates us from God and brings us into rebellion against Him. Through Jesus and his death on the cross, this rift can be remedied. Believe in, love, and serve Jesus, and find for yourself the peace with God that is truly “the reason for the season”. Blessings to all, from Gunnedah Baptist Church.

It’s hard to believe that the year is almost over. It’s like we had January, February and then we blinked and here it is.

Christmas is just around the corner and there are presents to buy and wrap, Christmas parties to attend, lights to put up and the list goes on.

It can be so easy to get caught up in the busyness of the season that we forget about the real reason for the season.

As we spend time with family and friends let’s remember to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

Want to read Christmas messages from Gunnedah shire’s councillors? Click here.