“Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.”

 Benjamin Franklin

Last night I went to see the film ‘A star is born’, starring Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga. Having watched the 1976 version of the film last month starring Barbara Streisand andKris Kristofferson, I was keen to see how producer Bradley Cooper had adapted the story line for today’s audience. For those who are not familiar with the film it is essentially about a songwriter who has given up on her dream to make it big as a singer until she is coaxed into the spotlight.  

I loved the songs from the 1976 version so much, we included one of them ‘Evergreen’ on our wedding video, this version of the film didn’t disappoint. One song ‘Shallow’ has already been added to my favourites list on my iPod.  The reason I think this song struck me is how it voices the questions many people may be afraid of asking of themselves.

“Tell me somethin’, girl
Are you happy in this modern world?
Or do you need more?
Is there somethin’ else you’re searchin’ for?

I’m falling
In all the good times I find myself
Longin’ for change
And in the bad times I fear myself

Tell me something, boy
Aren’t you tired tryin’ to fill that void?”

At this time of year maybe these questions are easily avoided as we busy ourselves with the endless to do lists in readiness for Christmas. Putting our own emotions, hurts, fears aside until after the hype of Christmas and promising to revisit them at the start 2019 with a fresh positive outlook on life. I love the famous quote by Benjamin Franklin, “Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.”  Perhaps one of the best gifts we can receive for ourselves this Christmas is to have that honest conversation, “Am I happy with my life?”, “What am I searching for?”

At Christmas we remember that God sent his only son Jesus to be the Saviour of the world, to be “Emmanuel – God with us”. This means that He came to fill the void in our lives, to give us hope, to journey with us in the good and bad times. Throughout the New Testament we see Jesus speaking to people who were asking the same questions as we do today. Jesus knew what it was to be fully human to feel abandoned, to experience pain, loss and fear. And yet He was willing to face death, giving up His life and dying on the cross so that those who believe in Him can have everlasting life. This message is at the heart of the Christian faith.

So if you find yourself searching for something else, trying to fill a void in your life, why not turn to Jesus who promises us, “life—life in all its fullness.” John 10:10

May the words of this song by Kristin Chenoweth be our anthem today,

“Because He lives, I can face tomorrow
Because He lives, all fear is gone
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living, just because He lives”