IT all starts around Bonfire Night with the unveiling of the TV adverts. Then there's the arrangements for The Day and numerous lists, followed by all the shopping - not to mention sending those cards, often to people we rarely see. There's the parties too: the office do, friends, families, neighbours - the local pubs, clubs and interest groups.

Everyone wants a piece of the fun and the chance to dress up. We love the sparkle and shimmer, the tinsel, the decorated tree, the twinkling lights. Mind you, all the frantic rushing around these last few weeks brings its own pressure.

Maybe we find that Christmas is all wrapping and no content. A bit like the well intentioned gift that in some way fails to satisfy. We know 'Christmas' starts with 'Christ' and in a school we've seen the Christmas play that somewhere features a Mary and Joseph with a doll wrapped in a cloth to represent the helpless baby Jesus. Yet despite the "Oohs" and the "Ahs" we're still left with a "so what?" feeling inside. Just like the doll, Christmas can seem a bit lifeless.

Yet Jesus wasn't a doll but a real historical person who grew to walk this earth as an adult. Have you ever wondered what kind of man he became? Maybe you already think Jesus was a prophet, a loving spiritual leader or possibly you believe he was as helpless at the end of his life as he was at the beginning.

So after all the frantic rushing, if Christmas celebrations are merely the wrapping, why not take time now to discover what's really inside? Have a look at easyenglish.info and read the Bible book of John. Perhaps you'll find the genuine Christmas gift is brimming with life and never fails to satisfy.

Gordon Williamson

Skipton LifeLine