Wednesday, December 22, 2010

The Real Essence of Celebrating Christmas . . .

Christmas is one of the most awaited celebration every year aside from the New Year’s eve. In the Philippines, starting from the month of September, Christmas carols can be heard being sang on radio stations and even on television. The 100 days counting starts on September until the 12th midnight of December 24th


You can start seeing Christmas decors on different department stores and malls. There are some people who start packing their gifts on the month of October until December comes. Especially those who have lots of people on their list to be given gifts. Everyday, malls and department stores are full packed with people busy shopping and picking up items from the wet market to the groceries and choosing items lined up with discounts in the department stores. Toy stores are jumped packed with kids cuddling toys of their choices. With so much people and kids all around, you can feel the essence of the “Christmas Season.”

 
Three more days to go  and it’s  “Christmas Time.”  And how do you feel about the yuletide season? Does it mean: a new dress? A new shoes? A new bag? More gift-giving? A fabulous Christmas party with friends and loved ones? Or an extravagant preparation on the Christmas eve? Are those what you mean about the yuletide season? Think deeply and mesmerize on the real essence of this “Christmas Season.”

 
 
Are you one of those who are quite particular with new things like; dresses, jeans, blouses, shirts, shoes, bags and anything else that would mean Christmas to them. Christmas has always been connoted to new things and gift – giving. Apparently, for those who have been in conflict with other people has to take initiative to connect and reconcile. Christmas time has always been the time of reconciliation and restitution while to others, Christmas has always been the time to have a reunion . . . a grand reunion with those whom they’ve missed for a longer period of time. While for people who loved traveling and nature – tripping, they would prefer a trip somewhere or even travel abroad for bonding and enjoyment.


We have different connotation about Christmas and different interpretation about this special yuletide season. No matter what kind of an interpretation each of us have, at least, we know that Christmas is meant for good. It is during this season that we think relationship is important . . . friendship, marriage, and how our respective family anticipates a gathering among the members and siblings.

There is so much about Christmas that we fail to capture. Christmas is soon upon us. Have we given any thought about our gift giving this year? Will it be exchange time . . . giving only to people who are able to give back to you? Or will it be an honest act of real giving? How about giving to people who can’t give back?


Christmas has become an overly-commercialized holiday  and gotten off track too often. Give thought to the significance of His coming. There are blessings which we don’t even know about. If any  kind of an attitude should mark our celebration . . .  it should be one of gratitude. Let it begin with an expression of gratitude for this season, for  the fact that God did send His only Son to this world that so desperately needs Him. Plan to give something spiritual value to others this Christmas! This is the real essence on why we celebrate Christmas! It’s all because of Jesus Christ, who came to the world, and willed Himself to die to redeem those who were lost and sinners.


Isaiah 9:6-7
6 For unto us a Child is born,  Unto us a Son is given; And the government
 will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor,
Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
 7 Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end,
 Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,  To order it and establish
 it with judgment and justice  From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

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