Christmas in Oxford is usually filled with carol services, formal dinners, BOPs and Christmas markets, but this year things are looking very different. Whether it's your first time celebrating Christmas in the UK or you're well in tune with the season's festivities, Christmas 2020 is far from being cancelled. In fact, the most fundamental, most exciting thing about Christmas will never ever change - even if we're living in a global pandemic.
So, what is Christmas really about?
Christmas is a time of love, joy, hope and peace.
For many, this can mean gathering with family and loved ones to enjoy a huge roast dinner and exchange presents under a tree. But if you'll be far away from family and friends this year, it can be easy to feel isolated and alone. But the wonderful truth of Christmas is that God has given you the best gift ever imaginable: the chance to enter into his global family and know Him as your friend.
Christmas celebrates a God who loves humanity so much that he came to earth as a child, so that people from all nations might come to know him.
This child was Jesus Christ, and he grew up to be the most revolutionary figure of human history.
This Christmas, why not read an eye-witness account of Jesus' life and find out for yourself why he is the best gift that anyone could ever dream of.
Jesus' radical love for me has transformed my life, and there is immeasurable joy and peace in knowing him as my king, my saviour and my friend. Though Christmas 2020 will be disappointing in many ways, the good news of Jesus brings a hope that no pandemic can ever dampen.
If you're staying in Oxford over the vacation, here are some ideas to have some fun and share the joy of Christmas with others.
Please do get in touch if you'll be staying in Oxford over the vacation and we can put you in touch with other international students who will be around. Just fill in the form at the bottom of this website or go to the 'Contact Us' page to get linked up or find out more about reading an account of Jesus' life.
Hope you have a wonderful, peaceful Christmas x