Food for Thought by Marcia Dixon MBE

CHRISTMAS:  A TIME TO PAUSE

The great thing about the Christmas and New Year season is that it gives us all (except church leaders and emergency workers) an opportunity to press pause, stop work – even if just for a day – to relax, chill and give thanks to God for life and for the birth of His Son, Jesus Christ.

Being able to take a breather – amidst watching TV re-runs, visiting friends, opening gifts, attending the sales, and the Christmas and watchnight services – means we can carve out time to think, reflect and plan.

Our thoughts may be tinged with grief, as we think about loved ones who have passed; or feelings of pride for reaching personal milestones; failure for not reaching them; or sadness at letting ourselves or others down. However, as Christians, no matter what our year has been like, the festive season is a great time to meditate on the Christmas Story which changed the world.

When the Virgin Mary gave birth to Christ, an angel shared details of this historical moment with humble shepherds, stating: “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”  After sharing the news, Luke writes: ‘Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests” (see Luke 2:10–14).

Jesus was born to bring hope, to bridge the gulf between God and humanity, and to enable people to enjoy a right relationship with God. His birth, subsequent death and resurrection have achieved these things.

It’s evident – ever since the birth of the Church – that one of the great outcomes that happens when people decide to follow Christ is that they experience (or should do) character transformation and exhibit qualities, such as kindness, love, peace, joy, goodness and more. 

It’s also evident that the Spirit of Christ permeates the world at Christmas time – it’s the only reason I can think for the overflow of kindness, love, goodness and charitable acts that occur across the world during this period.

So, before we start our Christmas celebrations – or, in my words, enter the season where we pause – in the words of John Wesley, let’s aim to

‘Do all the good you can
By all the means you can
In all the ways you can
In all the places you can
At all the times you can
To all the people you can
As long as ever you can.’   

ADDRESSING FATHERLESSNESS

It’s my hope that, in 2026, wider society takes more action to tackle the longstanding issue of fatherlessness.

Research confirms what Scripture says about fathers: they are intrinsic to the healthy development of children, especially boys. Research also highlights that poverty, poor educational attainment, and fatherlessness are deadly combinations and a major contributory factor to criminality.

Thank God there are a growing number of men talking about fatherlessness and other issues that affect them, but more needs to be said and done.

My question is: ‘Where are the church-based male mentoring programmes for young boys and teenagers – especially those who have no relationship with their fathers?’ And if churches can’t run them, are they partnering with or supporting organisations that do run these types of initiatives?

Such initiatives work. There are many young men experiencing success in their education and career due to being mentored and being given the opportunity to be in inspirational environments so they can get an idea of what’s possible. Such activities need to be done on a wider scale.

It’s important we do all we can to help lay a solid foundation from which our young people can thrive. Positive male fathering/mentoring will help to do that.

BE KIND TO YOU

Promise yourself that, during 2026, you are going to talk to yourself in the same you would to a friend, colleague or someone you love.  

Don’t beat yourself up or hate any negative traits you may have. You’re human, not perfect. However, make it a habit to bring your negative attributes to God and ask Him to help you overcome them. This is a prayer He’ll answer.

More importantly, speak positive things to yourself. 
Tell yourself you’re loved by God and that He sent His Son to die for you. 
Remind yourself that you are made in God’s image and that you are fearfully and wonderfully made. Remember that no situation you find yourself in life is too difficult to deal with, because if you have faith, all things are possible.
And, lastly, never forget that you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. Amen