Christmas is in the air. The hospital has been decorated with lights and buntings festoon the ward. The staff will be starting their winter vacation soon and it is time to wind down and breathe a sigh of thankfulness for a full year. The staff has been unified in their service and I constantly thank God for the opportunity to work with such a wonderful team. Our Annual day program, on the 12th, showcased the wonderful talent of all of our staff. We thank God for His constant presence, His protection, and His leading.
I would like to share three things about Christmas from the familiar Christmas story:
1. Christmas, though long awaited, was unexpected. The arrival of Jesus was a surprise to sleepy Bethlehem. Gods work is characteristically unexpected. He turns up in places and situations that surprise us. May we always be ready for His appearance.
2. Christmas demanded a choice. Mary chose to be a handmaiden. Gods work demands a choice on our part, one which we can make freely.
3. Christmas was seen by those who had the eyes of faith. All of Bethlehem and the jealous eyes of Herod missed Jesus even though Herod used the entire government machinery to search for the child. Yet, he was seen by humble shepherds and by the three kings. Christmas is seen by those who believe because they looked for him
May we be open to His work in and around us this Christmas.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year. We look forward to 2010, our Jubilee year, marking 75 years of service as a hospital.
