The Reason For The Season Is Jesus

Ever considered this contrast - more than 2000 years ago, Jesus came into this world quietly. He was given birth in a manger as there was no room in the inn. He slept with the animals in a probably smelly environment. His purpose of coming? To eventually die for all so that the sin of man will be wiped clean.

Now, 2000 years later, the world has made Christmas such a noisy and celebrative occasion that sometimes I wonder whether the majority know the true meaning of this season. We are so caught up with the shopping and feasting and spending to the point where some, in the hustle and bustle, become frustrated because they have to buy things for this and that person; wrap the presents; write Christmas cards; attend this and that party; etc.

At the end of it all, there is no time to contemplate on the day when God sent His one and only Son, Jesus. into this world to become man and bring about redemption.

This afternoon I was in Orchard Road with the youths as they were doing their last-minute shopping. In fact, they were not alone. The whole stretch of road lined with shopping centres were filled with a sea of human beings. The place was so crowded that there were traffic officers present - not to control vehicular but human flow. I saw a lot of agitated looks as they were stuck in a sardine-packed tunnel. I was one of the sardines. :)

When I was in Ngee Ann City after having left the group, I encountered a few sad scenes - one was this lady who was so angry with not having bought enough presents that her face was fuming red and as long as that of a papaya. Two was this observation I made where there were those with shopping bags in their hand (people with money) walking past beggers who had either no arm or leg (people with no money).

What has Christmas become? Even amongst the youths, they were frantically looking for things to buy for their friends. Christmas is a season of giving but it has gone beyond it where some have begun to demand from their friends what they want. Some of the requests were exhorbitent. Why must we demand for the kind of presents we expect to receive? Should we not accept all gifts alike? What happens if we were to receive a simple present like that of a scribbled note on a piece of teared out paper? Would we despise that kind of gift though it was given with all sincerity?

When we start to expect, there is no more joy in receiving because we know in our hearts that our friends have bought the gift out of obligation. The joy of receiving is always about receiving anything (even if there is no value) with joy. In fact, allow me to correct the part where I mentioned this word, "value." Anything we receive, given out of sincerity from our loved ones, is invaluable - please cherish them!

I have not written any Christmas cards yet and they are right in front of me now. If I cannot finish writing them, then so be it. Why should I be flustered when writing a note to a friend should be one of joyful feeling? :)

Anyway, let us be careful as we commemorate Christmas Day - it is not about the lights, the shopping, the feasting, the singing, the service - it is about this Person called Jesus. Where is He right now in your life? Has He been and will He be chucked aside?

The reason for the season is Jesus and Christmas isn't Christmas till it happens in your heart!

“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:11-14