Never discount the pain of the incarnation: in joy and for the joyful participation of each and every child of the Father the world was created. In joy and for identification with the sons of men and children of the Father I identified the Father's loving purpose for the world He had created and for all He has created in it and would create until the end of time. Men and women rejoice at Christmastime, recalling the joyful message of angels and obedient response of the shepherds and wise men. And the faithful down the ages have rejoiced in like manner. From such joy, rightly orientated, comes renewal in life towards the world and the Heavenly Father. Yet the cost to the Son of Man was such that no human being nor even an angel of light can ever imagine, far less understand. To lay aside the power and the glory and to lie inert and helpless in a cot of straw, to stand before men and women and be disregarded and mocked, at last persecuted and slain - these are contingencies which can be seen as painful and hurt-bringing. But consider that which it is all but impossible to comprehend by human thinking, namely the laying aside of that conscious oneness with the Father which had existed before time was, to be taken afresh in the humble form of a new-born babe and a growing child. Regard the perfect flowering of perfect manhood through all the pains and challenges of humanity. And above all , have always in the centre of your mind and heart the cost of man's redemption, identifying in love and willing participation as it is offered . Herein is joy unbounded; to be found faithful in service and suffering to the Son of Righteousness who was born in time to heal and save and unite in love.