God is down to earth!

The message of the Christmas angels spoke of glory to God in the highest Heaven but also of his glory - expressed in peace and goodwill - on the lowest earth. God is not confined to a rarefied spiritual atmosphere beyond our comprehension. He is to be found in the rough and tumble world where we are, not remote or removed. He is with us and only a prayer away. He was revealed to humble shepherds and was born in a smelly stable. And if our hearts are open we may know his presence in the bustling supermarket or the crowded street. It is a sense of God's presence which can make the meaning of Christmas really come alive for us.

We might make the following our prayer: 'When our Christmas joy evaporates with the frustration of Christmas shopping and my holiday plans elaborate until I'm wrapped in the trappings and trapped in the wrappings, Lord untangle me; help me get the tinsel out of my hair refresh me with a look at the gift of your Son'.