I read this on a post from the Salvation Army and thought it so good that I wanted to pass it on to you.

Celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ is more than a Christian holiday or Christian festival. It is more than an occasion to decorate our houses.

It is an opportunity to pause and give thanks for the love, hope and joy found in Jesus – our Saviour and friend. As we exchange gifts with loved ones, it is out of remembrance of the gift God gave us in Jesus. The gift that we are loved, are never alone and can have hope for the future.

After Jesus was born, a small group of wise men visited him. They recognized the kingship of Jesus and they “worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh” (Matthew 2:11).

You, too, can offer up your worship and thanks to God through prayers this Christmas. Prayers of thanksgiving for the gift of hope, love and joy.

Your Christmas this year might look different to previous years. It may not match up to the commercial images you see or hopes you have. But know that the true meaning of Christmas doesn’t depend on the number of gifts under a tree or the type of food on your table. The message of Christmas doesn’t change if you are surrounded by family, missing loved ones for the first time or on your own. It is not affected by the house you live in – or don’t live in.

God’s love is for everyone. You are not alone. You are loved, and you can feel hopeful and joyful. That is the true meaning of Christmas.

These are the truths that we study at the Gathering Place. We have Wednesday evening Life Groups at 7, Sunday morning classes at 9:30, and Sunday morning worship at 10:30. Come and rejoice with us through this Christmas season.