Recently, a close friend of my vintage asked me what factor was markedly different in the world when I was growing up in the 1930's and 40's, compared with today. I gave a lot of consideration to my reply because things WERE very different. For a portion of that time the world was at war, but that significant event and many trivialities aside there had to be a fundamental difference, important to me, that represented the difference between the period of my childhood and the 1990's.

It seemed at first an almost impossible question but on reflection the answer was plain - the difference was CERTAINTY. That may sound ambiguous but there was a dependability, maybe even a routine, about life then that seems elusive today. I could select a career path through school and into employment with a reasonable expectation. Young people today do not enjoy that certainty, no matter how well trained they may be. Sundays were Sundays for certain - a day of rest and for many that meant Sunday school and church. Today, Sundays are just another 24 hours in the seven day week of work, shopping, sport and entertainment. As a child I could be certain of discipline, at school and in the home. - I'm sure that it did me no harm. Today, anything goes and school discipline in the form of corporal punishment is in most cases expressly forbidden. As a child I could walk out alone, safely and without fear. If I got into trouble it was usually of my making. Our houses and cars were frequently left unlocked. Another certainty I clearly remember was to show respect and courtesy to my elders, or else...

As I recall this special time of year as a child, the gifts I received at Christmas were treasured and long lasting - there was a permanence about them - they were not trifles discarded or broken after only a few hours. In that era before plastics and Lego blocks I enjoyed Meccano where you fixed the bits together with nuts and bolts and the certainty was that they stayed fixed until you dismantled them. I spent hours constructing buildings and bridges and it encouraged me to use my hands and my brain. The toys we played with then are now collectors items - doesn't that say something about the old values?

If we were to ask why all these changes in our lifestyle have occurred we would be told that it is 'progress'. Someone once said that the only certainties in this life are death and taxes. Perhaps Jesus acknowledged that when he said: "In my Father's house are many rooms; I am going there to prepare a place for you" and "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's." But in this uncertain world there is one sure certainty - the love of God. He so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. At this time of year as we celebrate the birth of Jesus and share our love for one another, rest in the certainty of the promises of our Heavenly Father. May the joy of this Christmas and the promise of the New Year be a very special time for you and yours.

In Christian love, Pastor Ron.

Optional Bible readings: Isaiah 9:2-7, Luke 2:1-20 and Romans 8:35-39 This is one of a series of weekly messages of encouragement originating from the Derwent Valley, near Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. A companion Bible study page is available each week. To subscribe email <> with the words 'subscribe word' or 'subscribe word and study' Enquire about our weekly 'Kids World' email newsletter for young people. All subscriptions are free. Bible study resumes next week.

Pastor Ron Clarke (Mark 16:15) Email: