All of last week I had emails saying a delivery was on its way. I had no idea what it was until the calling card was left on Friday to say that it was letters.

Then I realised that it was my testamur for my Psychology Diploma.

I did note that while they wouldn’t leave it at my door, the calling card did say that anyone could collect it. Seemed like a weird double standard.

And as thankful as I am for the diploma, a little note to Charles Sturt University that perhaps less glue on the cardboard envelope would go a long way in future. For a moment there, I got the distinct impression that they were really going out of their way to ensure that I did not ever see the contents of that letter.

I eventually got it open. But it was a struggle.

As I think about Jesus’ arrival into the world, there appears to be a lot of struggle.

John the Baptist’s father, Zechariah isn’t able to talk for months

Mary looks like she’s pregnant to another man

Mary has to give birth in squalid conditions even for those days

Mary, Joseph and Jesus have to do a runner to Egypt

The Magi travel an arduous and lengthy journey to find Jesus

There’s a lot of struggle. Things weren’t easy.

This got me reflecting on how we talk about Christmas with those who might enjoy singing a carol or two but aren’t really interested in much more.

Christmas is a great time to talk about Jesus because it’s just totally natural to have that kind of conversation. But I’m always challenged as to how to have those conversations. Do I have conversations that help people connect with Jesus or just make them feel really weird about the whole church thing?

Because, let’s face it, there’s some weird stuff in the whole church thing, especially if you’re not used to it. It’s like crossing into another culture… because you are!

The apostle, Paul writes some helpful words on this topic in his second letter to the Corinthian church (Well, it’s labelled his second letter. We don’t actually know how many were sent).

We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. 

I like the imagery of a path: a path on the journey to Christ. It’s a good reminder that every day we come into contact with people along their life path.

Are we stonewalling the path to Jesus? Are we giving them something that will trip them up? Or are we clearing the decks, dusting down the path and giving them clear steps to make towards Jesus?

Sometimes we might not realise which we’re doing.

Once I finally got inside the CSU envelope, I was encouraged for my achievements and similarly prompted to stay connected with the university, using all the usual online tools.

I really should update my LinkedIn profile.

In the letter, I also noticed the university crest with more detail than I had before. Unsurprisingly the crest includes Sturt’s Desert Pea. It also includes a motto: For the Public Good.

At Christmas there are certain traditions and ways of doing things that I like. However, I’m reflecting that there are surely many people who aren’t so fussed with those traditions.

Perhaps I need a reframe. Perhaps I need to realise that the things I do at Christmas are not for my entertainment or enjoyment or “because this is just what I always do at Christmas.” Rather, I should be thinking about how I can present the message of Christmas in a way that helps “make straight in the desert a highway for our God” to connect with those looking for him.

For there are flowers to be found even in the desert.

Yours updating her LinkedIn profile,

Alison