Winter in cold countries is a challenge. For many, especially the oldest and weakest, it is all the more a challenge. Likewise for their carers, and close relatives. So Christmas and other such winter feast times provide much needed heart strengthening encouragement, but also the opportunity to think of the young ones coming along, and how to pass the previous wisdom on to this new generation. Not everyone at such times really believes in all this, yet still many share the same need to be encouraged to face this challenging season. For believers in God, the emphasis of many on the spirit of Christmas can be very helpful, as it gives us thought for what it means to take courage from emphasising spiritual things. The feasting itself might fatten us up for cold months ahead but this is not as important, life-giving, and effective as the focus on the grace of reminding ourselves and our children of the coming in the flesh of Jesus Christ, and the efforts and expenditure of giving in his name. This is our chief wisdom to pass on to the next generation out of love for them and for God. We do not only give, but we do it in Christ’s name—or at least in the name of a semi-legendary, semi-historical saint called Saint Nicholas, Santa Claus—not least because it inspires the young ones with moral stories. The gospel tells us to let the spirit drive our actions rather than the physical desires, so we please spirit rather than merely pleasing body and mind. God commands love towards Him first and foremost, and then towards our neighbours. In practical terms it should drive us to ensure we do indeed pass on the heavenly aspects of the truths of the gospel about Jesus coming, with the signs of his messiahship, and the peace with God he came to bring for those who will receive it. Those Christmas carols are important. The real heavenly spirit of it all is important.
