President of Methodist Church in Ireland's Christmas Message

Christmas Message 2011

Rev Ian D. Henderson

President of the Methodist Church in Ireland

When we were children, we were frequently asked by adults, "What do you want for Christmas?" But now that we have grown up and become adults ourselves, that question does not seem to be as important for us. As the apostle Paul said of himself "When I became a man, I put away childish things."

But during the years of the boom, it seemed that anything we wanted we could have, whether we could afford it or not.  Now with the economic downturn, we have all have to grow up a little, especially in our spending habits and perhaps in the process reduce the level of selfishness in our thinking.

Is it not time as mature adults to ask ourselves, "What do we need - really need?"  And perhaps more importantly to ask, "What do others really need that they won't be able to afford?"  Perhaps we can give some thought and help to what others in our community might need, even if it is only to offer friendship, support and a listening ear to those who are on their own.

The message of Christmas, through the birth of Jesus, is "God is with us!"  It is the message of "peace on earth, goodwill to all".  The nations and people of the world still need to hear that message.  Have a happy and peaceful Christmas.