Christmas triggers many vivid and personal memories centring on the people, mainly family, with whom we belong.

A number of years ago the comedian Ricky Gervais burst into tears recalling the Christmas that he spent with his mum before she died.

Such a response is a common experience.

A recent survey reveals that, as great as exchanging gifts with each other is, the highlight of Christmas for the majority of Australians revolves around celebrations and holidays with family and friends.

Though our lives are usually full of distractions, we cherish the opportunity just to connect. A joyful life is not lived in isolation.

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Though sadly, some will be alone at Christmas, most people have an answer to the question, “Who are you spending Christmas with?”

This takes us to the heart of Christmas: God wants us to belong.

It is no accident that we are by nature social and relational beings.

More significantly the desire to have around us those with whom we belong has at its heart a belonging to God himself.

The Christmas story shows that God has taken the initiative with the birth of his son Jesus, in humble circumstances in the town of Bethlehem.

This child is God’s way for us to know the most wonderful belonging we can experience: belonging to God.

Through his life and example, through his death for us, Jesus brings us to God.

Please enjoy this Christmas with your family and friends. But look at Jesus in the crib and know that you too can belong to God.

By Peter Hayward, Anglican Bishop of Wollongong

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