Christmas this year

what will it be like?

Arabic

Christmas this year is going to be very different.

We have never had Christmas and a pandemic at the same time.

The virus situation can change from week to week so we really don't know what is going to happen.

We can plan our celebrations but if the virus numbers go higher and higher we could end up in lock down.

Some people this year will be remembering Christmas without loved ones.

Many people have died from the virus from around the world so Christmas will be a painful time, a reminder that their loved one is not there.

However we celebrate Christmas this year we need to remember to be kinder to each other.

Bethlehem celebrates Christmas with a big Christmas tree in Manger square, then on the first week in December we have a lighting of the tree.

There is the Christmas market where different countries come and sell their goods, people are busy buying and selling.

Then of course on Christmas eve we have the scouts marching in the city, playing their musical instruments.

Its a joyful and happy time.

Special events are put on throughout the city for everyone to enjoy.

But of course we don't know exactly what will happen this year will it all go ahead?

It could all be planned and ready to go ahead and then at the last minute it can all be cancelled if things get worse.

Life is not stable at the moment, we are just not sure about anything.

Or so it would appear.

But the whole Christmas story fills us with hope.

A baby boy being born in a little town like Bethlehem.

Bethlehem was lifted up because Jesus was Born in its walls.

Even when things looked bad deliverance was on the way.

Jesus life was in danger from Herod. But a rescue plan was already in operation, Jesus would flee to Egypt.

So as we approach Christmas this year, We should remember that God is in control, We don't know what is going to happen, we will make plans but we don't know if all of those plans are going to be fulfilled, We just leave it in the hands of God.