There is a mountain of worry in my head. There is a pile of presents on the bed. The sky is covered in clouds. So much is crowding out what really matters.

I think about the cradle with baby Jesus, and the cross where He died. I live for those two amazing truths – God sent His only son to live within our mess, to die to save us from it and to rise again. I will always pull out this truth from the obvious chaos of our lives because it is right there, hidden in plain sight.

How could this be? How could it not? So this Christmas I will push away the mess and remember that this is the time when all the questions are answered. All the cries have been heard.

Of course, there have been times when I have shouted for help into silence. I’m sure I’m not alone in that. But right now I remember the cradle and the cross. They stand out and remind me that God has heard and He has answered. He is not watching from a distance. He is right here. Jesus our Emmanuel.

I’m feeling very thankful for all the people around me who have been reminders of God with us over the past while, especially my neighbours, as we move house in a week’s time. I never asked for help as often as I should, but they were always there when I did. Are you a good neighbour? Do you respond to need, or even anticipate it before you’re asked? The best way of celebrating Christmas is to bring Emmanuel close to the people around you. Can you think of ways to do that this week?

Happy Christmas!