Behind the gifts, food, decorations, music, and gatherings, there can also be weariness and even emptiness for many as one year ends and another looms.

However, there is something about Christmas that draws those who are listening to more, which tinsels and baubles won’t provide it.

We long for it; we want it but struggle to take hold of it.

What is this peace and goodwill to all men, and what does it mean?

I was reminded of a devout man of faith with God’s spirit in him who was drawn to the Temple after Jesus’ birth to meet the Saviour God had promised to his people.

He saw this peace with God, and so have we, but we must continue to watch and wait patiently for his return. The story is told in the gospel according to Luke.

Is God’s promise of a saviour still drawing us to him at Christmas in 2024?

Like Simeon, we have glimpsed God’s salvation and light of revelation in Christ. The gift has been given, and we can trust the one who gave it.

Now that the mystery has been revealed, let its promise continue to draw us to him as we prepare to receive it, not just at Christmas but every day.

I saw hope on the face of a woman leaving a hospital appointment

I heard hope in the voices of a couple expecting a baby after having lost two

I prayed hope for a lady having radiotherapy after a breast removal

I spoke hope to a child who waits for parents to resolve issues within their marriage

I hugged with hope a woman whose husband is very ill

I cried hope for a gentleman suddenly left on his own

I sang hope into my soul

I whistled hope and joy as I walked through my day

I delighted in the hope of the rainbow

I whispered hope to a friend I may never see again

I cheered, my hope for my child to master a skill finally realised

I watched Hope, a dog, as she comforts her owners, grieving parents of a teenager

I danced alone to express my hope in the Lord

I welcomed the rain, the hope of a good season

I often hope for a sunny day, a good report, a coffee with a friend, and time alone

I believe faith, hope and love cannot be separated; you can’t have one without the others

I welcome hope, for it is assurance that my full purpose in life is not yet fulfilled

I live in hope, for the best is yet to come

                                           While there is LIFE, there is HOPE

Just ten more sleeps until Christmas, you tell the little ones
Wait until you see your gifts, bigger and better than ever before
Can’t have your friends outdoing you

Mum, don’t get into debt this Christmas
You are the only one who cares what others think
All we want is a fun time and special food

What has happened to last year’s gifts, sitting in a cupboard somewhere, forgotten
My brothers and sisters don’t need to keep up with their peers
Start a new trend and keep it simple
But Mum, don’t get into debt this Christmas

Christmas Day is only one day in 365; what about the rest of the holidays?
Every year I can remember it is the same, we can’t do anything during the holidays
Like a trip to the movies or the Wildlife Park because you have no spare money

Mum, don’t get into debt this Christmas
We don’t want to hear about it every day until we go back to school that you have no money
It gets boring
There must be a better way

We don’t need the latest I.T. gadgets or Play Station
Buy us something we need that you can afford
Same for Christmas dinner, forget the turkey and ham; a chicken or pork will be fine
Jelly and ice cream with a few strawberries sounds good to me
Mum, please don’t get into debt this Christmas

Christmas is not about climbing some social ladder, so save your money for those who care
Christmas is not about purchases or actions you might regret later
Christmas is about remembering the reason for the season
Celebrating Jesus’ birth with family and close friends
So, Mum, there’s no need to get into debt this Christmas

Having time with you and Dad, a chance to play outside games and no phone interruptions
Is all we really ask
Seeing cousins or grandparents would be a bonus, but not at the expense of going
Into debt this Christmas
Mum, we love you, and we are pleased you are our Mother
But Please, Mum, don’t get into debt this Christmas

Written by your 5 children aged 11, 9, 7, 6 and 4 years