The Twenty-Third - Last Christmas and In the Bleak Midwinter
Today's first Christmas song has been chosen by the nation, at number one in the UK for the first time since it was released 39 years ago! (link to BBC News)
With a great tune, a beat you can dance to and sing karoke to, it also appeals to anyone who has experienced a breakup, a truth almost everyone can empathise with.
The chorus speaks of giving your heart to someone special next year:
Last Christmas I gave you my heart But the very next day you gave it away This year, to save me from tears I'll give it to someone special
Which is a similar sentiment to that of the poem by Christina Rossetti, In The Bleak Midwinter
Now, stay with me here, there is a thread to follow! The poem tells of a person seeing the baby Jesus for the first time, and feeling unworthy of being with the Christ Child, but ends with the lines
What can I give Him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;
If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part;
Yet what I can I give Him: give my heart.
Perhaps this a good reminder that very often, goodness in our lives, comes from being with someone special, whether a person or Jesus. Both who value us for who we are today, because we all have great value and worth as we are, with no change needed. And what do we give to someone we love? Our heart, no more is needed. So, as we prepare for the Christ child this Christmas, know you are worthy of love, of God's love and that of someone special, but also the most special of all, Jesus Christ, who already loves us unconditionally. What greater gift can there be?
Andrew