Christmas brings back happy childhood memories for Sir David Suchet.,,,
Renowned actor Sir David Suchet became a Christian when he was 40, but his delight in Christmas went all the way back to his childhood, as he shares on Christmas Unwrapped with evangelist J.John.
When I was eight I was sent away to boarding school, and it was tough. There was not much joy; the greatest joy we ever had was when it was time to go home for the holidays. And there was no better holiday for us than Christmas, because in the dormitories at school we were allowed the very special privilege of putting up Christmas decorations.
So from the age of eight for many years Christmas meant for me celebrations and joy at the end of that particular term, colourful decorations and going home to Mum and Dad where we’d all have presents and turkey and a wonderful family time.
Then as I grew older I became a Christian and I learned the true meaning of Christmas. I was still filled with joy, but it was a different joy. It was the realisation that that little baby was God being born as a human being to save us ordinary people and to give us a chance of a new life with him.
That was real joy. That was saving joy. And I think that was the joy that the wise men felt when they saw Christ. Happy Christmas!
Other well-known believers have their say on what the festivities mean to them.
What do you love (or hate) about Christmas?
It’s the time of year when Shiloh came! I’m not only referring to the coming of Jesus but the coming of our son Shiloh, who was born shortly after Christmas last year. (Stephen Smith)
I love the atmosphere before Christmas, the excitement and the preparation. I love time spent with family and friends and giving and receiving presents. (Luc Favre)
I love singing traditional Christmas carols. They always remind me of singing them in school assemblies. The theology in them is amazing. (Paul Dunne)
I love putting decorations up as early as possible. I put up our gigantic tree and nativity figures in the church windows in early October. The community love it. But I whinge like mad about school Christmas concerts that don’t include the nativity. (Jason Beynon)
Before I became a Regional Leader it was getting to the final prayer in the Christmas Eve carol service! (James Glass)
Pigs in blankets! (Tim Alford)
I love the message, the messiah and the mental break from the speed of life. I detest the wrapping. (Bex Wilson)
I love seeing family and Christmas dinner. I dislike the anti-climatic period between Christmas and January – I always try to book a holiday! (Vicky McEvoy)
I love Advent and the lead up to Christmas as we remember Jesus, his love for us and then express that in kindness and gifts. (Sarah Whittleston)
I love being with family, Christmas markets, food, meals out, getting the Christmas TV guide. I hate the way Christmas shopping starts so early. (Ross McBride)
EVERYTHING! Chocolate, trees, lights, decorating the house… the only thing I hate is the pressure to spend lots of money. (Sam Hughes)
Why is Christmas important to you?
Christmas is when we remember the coming of Christ. For 2,000 years Christ’s kingdom has benefited countless individuals spiritually with peace, hope and joy. It has also benefited many nations physically with life, liberty, peace and justice. Christmas is the perfect moment to share this awesome news unapologetically. (Stephen Smith)
It’s a great opportunity to remember the humanity of Christ and this pointing to the cross. (Luc Favre)
Christmas reminds me of Jesus with us, Emmanuel. That thought fills me with awe and wonder. (Paul Dunne)
Apart from it being the celebration of Jesus’ birth? It’s about family. We try and see both sides and spend quality time with those we love. (Jemma Maslen)
Jesus, the hope of the world and sharing that more widely than at any other time of year. (Paul Hobson)
I love bringing 700 pupils, parents and governors from over 50 nationalities to my church for a nativity performance. On Christmas Day I cherish the absence of emails and presence of family. (Bex Wilson)
It’s a reminder that God is Emmanuel, God with us. He left the wonder of heaven to inhabit our world and initiated his love and rescue plan. I get to live in the wonder of that invitation and friendship. (Sarah Whittleston)
It’s a time when the world celebrates light in the darkness and is open to us telling them who that really is. (Phil Worthington)
Christmas is the best opportunity to invite families to church … everyone seems way more open to come at Christmas. (Sam Hughes)
From Direction Magazine issue 232
