This week we've been reflecting on a simple biblical principle that's actually applicable

to the whole of life, but especially to this frenetic season of the year.

The principle that what we need is the expulsive power of a new affection for Jesus

Christ.

Christmas can be a lonely time for us, so that even when we're surrounded by other people,

perhaps some of us feel the words of Lamentations, chapter 1, verse 12, are our words too. Is it nothing to you, all you who pass

by? Look and see if there is any sorrow like my sorrow. Perhaps this Christmas we have a special

personal burden that nobody around us really shares. Perhaps if you've had some special loss,

you may well feel that while the rest of the world seems to have moved on, you are left on

your own. But whatever our situation, anxious and burdened, sad or excited and full of eager anticipation, what we all need is a new affection

for the Lord Jesus.

And that's not something we can work up.

Only the Lord Jesus himself can give us that new affection through His Holy Spirit.

It needs to come from the outside to the inside and not the other way

round. I very rarely mention my family in public. It's a no-go area for us, and especially for me,

especially if any of the family are present, they would give me a very hard time. And I learned this lesson when I said

to her congregation that one of our children had done something, and then I added, I won't tell

you which one she is. I have three sons, and only one daughter, and I never made the same mistake again.

But I think I'm safe in telling you this story from our family history.

It was Christmas season, and in the Sunday school classes and church the children were making

Christmas cards for their moms and dads.

And one of our young sons came home

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