Reaping consequences

Christmas is just about my favourite time of the year. It's a very busy time for me, with lots of special Christmas services and events, but it's a time I love. This is not least because of happy childhood memories of Christmases past. I love the Christmas lights on dark nights, the carols and special events, the Christmas meals, the time to spend with friends and family, and, of course, the amazing story which lies at the heart of Christmas: God stepping into our world through his Son, Jesus.

For many years we have welcomed Sue's mum to stay with us for a few days over Christmas. She generally stays 3 or 4 days, but then likes to get back home to her cat! This year, Sue was due to pick her up a couple of days before Christmas day. The weather had been very cold and icy, and Sue's mum, no longer a spring chicken, was warned not to venture out on the snow in case she had an accident. Of course there are some folk who think they know better! She did go out, slipped on the ice, and quite badly hurt her right arm.

By the time she arrived at our house the arm was quite bruised. Our future son-in-law Matt, a doctor, advised that we take mum to A&E for an x-ray. The x-ray indicated a broken humerus (not funny!) Her arm was given a temporary pot, and a further appointment was made for the following day. On the following day the hospital decided that mum required a pin inserting in her arm to aid the healing process. The latest news from the hospital is that the operation may be on Tuesday (two days' time). Mum was originally due to return home today, so she is somewhat concerned. Happily she has a good neighbour who is taking care of the cat.

Fortunately my mother-in-law doesn't have a computer or internet access (like my own mum, she probably doesn't have very much idea of what the internet is). She won't, therefore, mind me using her as an example of someone reaping the consequences of her actions. Although she had been advised not to venture out in the snow, she ignored the advice, and now she is reaping the consequences.

The Bible often talks about human responsibility for the consequences of our own actions. It also tells us that when we don't live in the way God has shown us, there will be consequences. The truth is that the vast majority of problems and suffering in our world today are caused by disobedience to God's will. Just think, for example, of the transformation which would take place in our society and world today if people lived by the ten commandments! The Bible calls disobedience to God's will sin. Sin has consequences - separation from God, our relationship with him is broken. The good news of Christmas is that through faith in Jesus, that broken relationship can be restored, and we can receive forgiveness. As the apostle John puts it, "This is how God showed his love among us: he sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him." Thank God for Jesus! And as the angels said to the shepherds, it's good news for ALL people!