‘Christmas is about one gift, from one god, for all people’, says Sheffield minister

A woman takes her 16-year-old daughter to the doctor.“My daughter, Debbie keeps getting these cravings, she’s putting on weight, and is sick most mornings.”
Christmas in Sheffield. Christmas lights in the Peace Gardens. Picture: Chris EtchellsChristmas in Sheffield. Christmas lights in the Peace Gardens. Picture: Chris Etchells
Christmas in Sheffield. Christmas lights in the Peace Gardens. Picture: Chris Etchells

After examination, the doctor says: “I don’t know how to tell you this, but your Debbie is pregnant.”

“Pregnant?! She can’t be, she has never ever been left alone with a man, have you, Debbie?”

“No mother! I’ve never even kissed a man!”

The Reverend Peter McCoolThe Reverend Peter McCool
The Reverend Peter McCool

The doctor walked to the window and stares out.

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Five minutes pass and finally the mother says: “Is there something wrong out there doctor?”

“No, the last time anything like this happened, a star appeared in the East and three wise men came over the hill. I’m not missing it this time!”

A church board at Christmas read: “Tonight’s sermon: ‘What is hell?’ Come early and listen to our carol practice.”

We don’t like to acknowledge or talk about it. Hell is a reality. What hell is, is a question that can be debated.

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It may be listening to the choir practice, it is certainly separation from God.

Heaven is an open invitation from a loving God and Father to each and every one of us.

The message of Christmas is about one gift. Shopping centres and online ordering was not and is not required.

Long lines at food courts were not and are not a problem to obtain and receive this gift.

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Days of shopping, socialising and eating out may be pleasurable, for others a form of hell.

Whatever category we are in, Christmas is about one gift, from one God, for all people.

Jesus, the baby born in the stable came from the glorious luxury and joy of Heaven.

He was born poor and lowly, he lived a life of trouble and died in pain for each and every one who would receive the gift.

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The gift is an invitation to the bypass around hell and onward to paradise.

It applies here and forever after, it comes with clear and simple instructions when they are followed as intended.

They do not fail, the batteries don’t die, parts are not missing, the instructions shouldn’t be adjusted or adapted.

Simply accept the gift of love this Christmas, the love of God, through Jesus the babe in the manger and follow His way as He lights the road home.

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