Family Time

Christmas is a time set aside for family in this modern world. All the joys of seeing relatives that live far away, the looks on faces when big news is shared, the looks on faces when Aunt Mildred’s turkey is served....

Times may have changed but people haven’t, and Jesus’ family was no different to yours and mine. The family gathering prior to the first Christmas sounded a lot like a typical year chez Bodsworth:

First, you have to get past the door. Aunty Alison/Gramma/Weird Uncle Thomas is waiting... In Mary’s case, Elizabeth is guarding the portal with arms outstretched. Reunion, love, gladness, joy and excitement.

Then; one of the kids is in trouble. Massive scandal, cover up plan needs hatching. Both women are as happy as can be about their news, but nothing brings family together like unity in the face of adversity. Strength, trust, guidance and peace.

After dinner, the fun starts. Mary and Elizabeth are so happy that Mary starts singing. It’s a shame that Zachariah in the corner is ill and can’t join in, but clapping along is just as important! Fellowship, worship, thankfulness and encouragement.

And what would a family do be without the epic argument? Tradition states that Elizabeth’s baby is to be called Zechariah, a strong family name. Nope, says Liz, he’s a John. I can imagine how long that one lasted before Zechariah lost patience and wrote his final answer. My family is full of strong minded people and old traditions. These gatherings are a time for respecting and remembering what made us great, what ties us together. But we must also look forward to our futures, new family members, new ties and eventually, new traditions. Independence, experience, wisdom and innovation.

Our families stress us out. They yell at us, kick us out, bribe us in, tell us what to do and disown us when we do it. But most of all, they love us. They want to help build us and brace us and show us off to the world.

So you might not love Christmas pudding, you might not think Johnny made the best choice in his hairdo or his wife and you would really rather little Greta kept her sticky fat fingers to herself, but you know that deep down you would move Heaven and Earth to be with them and they would cover for you whilst you did it.

Eat much. Drink much. Give much. Pray much. Sing much and hug much.

Merry Christmas!