Christmas
How do you celebrate Christmas? Are you getting ready to travel far away to winter countries? What kind of gifts should we buy?
Christmas has become overly commercialized and secularized in today’s world. Additionally, churches often overload themselves with various outreach programs. What do you think? I don’t want to dwell too much on the history of Christmas or whether it is a secular celebration. What I hope to convey in this reflection is a reminder of the meaning behind the birth of Jesus Christ.
Matthew 1:23 states, “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).
PAUSE: Let’s take a moment to reflect. Ask yourself: Are we celebrating for the wrong reasons? Are we doing too much during this event? If Jesus is still with us, how would He want us to remember His birthday?
I believe we should return to the core message of “God with us.” According to historians, the Hebrew understanding of peace means He will protect His house. John 1:14 reveals, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
So, the questions we should consider during Christmas are:
- Does the program or event matter during Christmas? Is it all about gifts?
- What kind of program or event truly reflects the glory of God?
- What kind of lifestyle helps us understand that God is with His children?
As a Christian pastor for many years, I considered cancelling church activities to allow church members to gather with their loved ones and neighbours, sharing lives that genuinely reflect the glory and goodness of God. This is my dream, but it did not materialize because, through Christmas event, we can share the gospel openly without any restrictions.
Therefore, I encourage all of us to bring the message of Christmas into our families. Share with them how God works in our lives, granting us peace despite challenges. Share uplifting testimonies with our friends. I believe this is the best gift we can give one another.
Hebrews 10:24-25 states, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Brothers and Sisters, Have a blessed Christmas in 2024. Be a mouthpiece of hope. Be an ambassador of love and reconciliation. Be an instrument that truly finds favor with God.
Jesus loves you all. To God be the glory!
Let us welcome 2025 with great anticipation.