Over 2,000 years ago, a child was born to virgin in a stable in Bethlehem – a gift to the world.
Shortly after this momentous event, three Kings from the East came bearing presents of their own – gold, frankincense, and myrrh – as they paid homage to the King of kings.
Every year children across my constituency wait excitedly for Father Christmas to pay them a visit, and to open their presents on Christmas morning.
Advent comes from the Latin adventus (‘arrival’) – and Christ’s arrival was the first and the ultimate Christmas gift.
He offered Himself to the world. This was the special time when “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (John 1: 15).
St John Chrysostom urges us to celebrate the mystery of the Nativity and what this gift actually means to all us:
“Come, then, let us observe the Feast. Truly wondrous is the whole chronicle of the Nativity. For this day the ancient slavery is ended, the devil confounded, the demons take to flight, the power of death is broken, paradise is unlocked, the curse is taken away, sin is removed from us, error driven out, truth has been brought back, the speech of kindliness diffused, and spreads on every side, a heavenly way of life has been ¡in planted on the earth, angels communicate with men without fear, and men now hold speech with angels.”
That is some gift! Indeed, it is the greatest of gifts. This is why we exchange presents at Christmas. The spirit of Christmas is fundamentally about giving – not simply buying expensive gifts but giving of ourselves. Giving of our time. Giving of our kindness. Christmas is about giving and it is also about for-giving. This last part can be the most difficult.
Forgiveness comes to us from the Old English word "forgyfan," which means "to give up resentment’ – in other words ‘giving up hate and negativity’. This is a good message whether you are a Christian or not. And it is one that some members of the clergy might do well to remember.
This year, I have been privileged to give hampers to veterans, and Christmas books to children. But I have only been able to do so because of the efforts and generosity of others – donors, volunteers, and staff.
As an MP, I try to give as much as myself as I can to my job, but it is also important to recognise that I receive something in return. I am not simply talking about the gratitude of my constituents, but the knowledge that my efforts have helped someone in a big or small way. That is a gift, and it is one of the main reasons why I love my job.
In the same spirit of gratitude, I would like to thank my constituents for the faith they placed in me back in 2019 and for the faith they continue to place in me when they come to me with their problems. Of course, I cannot work miracles, but I will give of my time and energy to do my best to help.
Merry Christmas to you all, and may God grant you a happy, peaceful, and prosperous New Year.
