Christmas is said to be a time of sharing and giving. Christmas is said to be a time of love and joy. While all are true, ultimately Christmas is a celebration of the Incarnation of the Son of God or the Word of God. He came as mere a man to bring forgiveness, salvation and show us the way to the Father. This is not impossible for the Almighty God for nothing is impossible for Him. As we celebrate let us also remember why He came and that He will come again. May God bless you and Blessed Christmas.
Yesterday a church member commented about the view that Christmas tree and all other things that distracting true meaning of Christmas, which is Jesus’ birthday. He said there a lot of other things that we do in church that distracts us from Christ and does that mean we strip of everything and only focus on Christ? That means no food, no music and you may think of many other things to add to the list.
I guess he has a point. Some things we are so used to that without those things we do not feel complete. Therefore Christmas is not complete without the decorated Christmas tree and famous Christmas carols. All these are symbol that reminds us and gives us the mood for Christmas. Personally I am not so concerned about whether we have Christmas trees or whatever as long as we remember that the main purpose of Christmas is celebrating Christ’ birth.
Having said that, no one actually knows when Christ was born. December 25th may have been chosen to counter the pagan festival in early church and was made as a day to remember Christ’ birthday. Therefore even December 25th is just another symbol to remind us about Christ.
For Christians then, Christ is the focus everyday and having a day to remind us that Christ was born is a bonus. After all it is a significant event that the Word of God became flesh to save from our sins and bring us to a new relationship with the Father. To me there are two types of people who celebrate Christmas. Those who understand the Word of God became flesh believe Him and those who do not. With or without Christmas tree is not an issue for me.
The need for intimacy should never be underestimated. It can drive a person to do anything. Good, bad and ugly. Because of it one may love, because of it one may sin and because of it one may take much hurt in life.
Look at these boxfish! My goodness so cute. The transparent Boxfish (the last one) has two cute horns on its head. It seems though they are cute, if under stress they can release toxins around them.
It is a place to hide. A place to take cover. A cloud on the truth. It does not show the reality because the reality is not meant to be shown. Out of fear and shame, the truth is not known. It happens so naturally. So much so that it has become more real than reality itself. It is seen as survival. It is seen as how life has to be. But it is not when it robs the life that it seeks to have. How ignorant to think that it will even work on the One who sees directly into the soul. Oh the mask that we wear!
A friend visited me and stayed for few days. My, it made lots of difference and wish he could stay longer. I used to think that I am an introvert therefore I have no problem being alone. Guess I was wrong and I could feel the loneliness creeping back again. Hmm.. John Donne was right in saying, "No man is an island".
I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge-even as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you--so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Cor 1.3-9 (ESV)
As we try to walk this journey doing what is right and what is expected from us, we cannot however go to the other extreme and think that we can do everything through our own ability. For we have nothing good enough to boast. When I try to walk with my own ability and strength, sooner or later I realize I will not last.
Thank God through Christ that I am not left alone to suffer! It is God Himself who gives us strength to do what is right so that we may stand blameless in front of Christ on the Day of Judgment.
Therefore I depend on God to do what is right. It is by His grace that I walk.The fact that God is sustaining means we are to work together with Him doing what is right. We now have the strength.
