Time flies and Christmas is here again. Although there is a
huge contrast in celebrating Christmas here in Canada and the Philippines, nonetheless,
the reason is the same: Jesus coming to the world 2,000 years ago. This is the
main reason that we should celebrate it in the first place: He came. And to
fully understand its significance to humanity, we should go back to the
beginning of its origin. Why do we celebrate Christmas? Is it a time to indulge
in shopping extravaganza? Is it just to
buy and exchange gifts? Another holiday excuse to rest and take the time off? Unfortunately,
this is what transpires in celebrating Christmas every year. However, we should
aim to consider the main focus of it all, i.e., Christianity has Christmas in order
to celebrate the coming of Jesus the Savior in this world.
Historically, Christmas was done to become an alternative to
a pagan holiday coinciding during winter season and it was an intention well
thought of. Every aspect of this pagan holiday was altered to reflect the
greater meaning of Christmas. On the other hand, the early church in the New
Testament does not celebrate Christmas or the birthday of Jesus but instead his
death, burial and resurrection. But no matter what the reason maybe, we have it,
thus, Christmas must become an opportunity for hope and love to abound. Also, this
is the time that families get together; generosity becomes the norm of the
season; friends celebrate to enjoy each other’s company. Altogether, there is
something about Christmas that anyone wants to be part of. There is probably the negative side of being
stressed on what to buy and what to give our loved ones and friends. But I
think (and I maybe wrong!) this is
one way of celebrating Christmas fun and enjoyable? How to avoid stress? Just go
out there and give what you believe will be acceptable as the best gift in your
own opinion. (A special note to those who
will receive, don’t criticize what you will get. Just express your gratitude
towards the giver and smile when you open the gift and enjoy it just the same
as the giver hopes that you will do).
What makes Christmas such an important holiday for
Christians? When you come to take a hard look at it’s meaning, you will find
that humility is at the core that made it all happen. Humility was the key attitude
of the first Christmas characters. When greeted by the angel Gabriel and told
of the news of her pregnancy through the Holy Spirit, Mary’s immediate action
was fear yet she was assured as recorded in Luke 1:30-33; 38, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor
with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give
him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most
High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will
reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end." Her
reply was, "I am the Lord's
servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said…"(NIV)
Even Joseph, Mary’s fiancé after hearing her pregnancy initially decided to
break off their engagement but was visited by an angel in his dream explaining God’s
plan and upon understanding it withdrew his plan. His next action and immediate
response was definite and calculated as described in Matthew 1:24, “When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel
of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.” (NIV)
But the most important action was done by Jesus above all as
described in Phil 2:5-8, ‘Your attitude
should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did
not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself
nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And
being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself.” NIV
Humility is setting aside what you believe by allowing God
to change your aspiration towards His desire for your life. Therefore, humility
is at the core of Christmas. It was the foundational principle of this season
and all Christmas blessings we enjoy today emanated from this attitude. In the
21st century, how are we going to apply humility? The answer is
clear; adopting a mind-set of humility will clarify our intentions in all our
activities. It is the intention of being a blessing this Christmas. It must become the hallmark of our actions. And
to bless others must be the firm resolution of those who are able to do so.
Mary, Joseph and Jesus became the Christmas blessings for humanity when they
humbled themselves to obey God’s plan.
What then will be your Christmas
blessing to others this Christmas? You need to think for a while and come up
with a list. It should be intentional not incidental blessings. If you are
looking for an opportunity to genuinely bless and become a blessing to others,
Christmas is an excellent occasion to begin. Merry Christmas to all!
Let’s talk again!
