For Christians, it's Christmas every day.

We're already into January 2014, and Christmas Day seems like a long time past, or a long way to come. (Some will be breathing a sigh of relief at this point.) The decorations are being packed away for another year and the supply of delicious food is gradually dwindling in our overstocked fridges. For many there will be a touch of sadness that all the planning and preparations culminated in a short burst of revelry, to be replaced with the humdrum of everyday.

But for those of us who love Christ, the magic and joy of Christmas is forever. Christmas is not primarily about tinsel, or lights or food, enjoyable as these things are. It's about celebrating God's love for us and the joy of living a life knowing that He cares for us and blesses us each and every day. We may experience trials and temptaions in this life, but this precious relationship endures and deepens as we grow in the perception of the depth of God's love and amazing grace.

The most precious gift we can ever receive is that of a personal relationship with our Creator. God gave us the everlasting gift of His Son, Jesus Christ, who came to this earth to do the will of His Father. He was born in a lowly stable and grew to be a man who taught about God's will for this world and each of us.

Christmas was the beginning of a story which continued into Easter, when we remember the purpose of Jesus' coming to earth. He came to do the will of His Father, to honour God by becoming a sacrifice for the sins of fallen humanity. He restored the broken relationship between God and mankind.

Jesus defeated death and the forces of evil forever. He rose from the dead and ascended to heaven, where He reigns at the side of His Father God. He sent His Holy Spirit to this earth following His resurrection, to bear witness to Him in this world and in the lives of believers.

The story is not yet completed, for the Bible tells us that Jesus is coming again to earth, at the time of great tribulation in this world. He will return again not as a tiny baby, but as conquering Lord and King, who will drive the remaining forces of darkness out of the earth. Jesus is the great hope for humanity in a world which can drive us to despair about the future.

The word "Christmas" means "Christ worship." It's a joy to worship God every day, God being the triune being of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. For some who don't yet know Christ personally, Christmas provides just a fleeting glimpse of joy and celebration. When we come to God in repentance and a prayer of faith and commitment, and grow in relationship with Him through prayer, Bible study and fellowship in a caring Christian community, we worship Him every day. It's truly the best Christmas ever.

Merry Christmas.
May God bless and keep you throughout 2014.