Vesetalii Tetseo
Seoul Christian University
Hellen Killer commented, “The only real blind person at Christmas time is he who has not Christmas in his heart.” Her blindness didn’t discourage her to celebrate Christmas and she made an interesting statement, “to celebrate Christmas ‘in’ and ‘with’ our heart.” The question is, “what does it meant to have Christmas in our ‘Heart’?” Waking up to the sounds of soft Christmas songs in the morning; sharing cakes and homemade bread; decorating houses, churches and town with Christmas trees, stars, lights and other decorum stuff; sending well wishes to families, friends, and loved one with cards and gift; buying new clothes are all common family Christmas tradition. In the same way, Christmas carol, gift exchange, choir songs, church bells ringing, listening to sermon, love feast on Christmas day are common Church tradition beside others. In short, for many of us, the essence of celebrating Christmas is a time for family gatherings and church fellowship. It seems, if we are a part of these events then we are celebrating Christmas and if not, we aren’t. In simple words, these events are Christmas to us. Can the other events; social and Church life; the participation and attending the Christmas worship etc., be term as celebrating Christmas in our heart? Yes, it did for many. Why? Because we are doing our best we can and know of, and we are sharing that joyful season with our family, friends and loved ones. The old traditions were not wrong but in essence it is same with the non-Christian celebrating Christmas if we emphasize only on the outward appearance and presentation.
As Christians, beloved by God, should not our celebration of Christmas (besides other character and social life) be different from others? Because Jesus is special and is our savior, we have to prove it with our action and word side by side. The Bible said, “Faith without work is death” (James 2: 17, 26). If it is the same with other non-Christians celebration, it is not special, it simply become a popular trends adopted by others. John: 3:16 quote, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His one and only son that whosoever believe in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” The sole reason God send His son ‘Jesus’ to us is because of His ‘Love’ and Christ died for the ‘Love’ for us. Jesus liken ‘loving our neighbor as our self’ to the first and greatest commandment, ‘to love God with all our heart, soul and mind’ (Mathew 22:37; 40); and our neighbors are those who are in need of our help (Luke 10: 25-37). Today as we celebrate Christmas, ‘Love’ should be the reason indeed. We ought to ‘Love’ our fellow human with a self emptying love or charity towards our fellow human being. We must make room for others who are ‘loved’ by God, which is sharing God’s love with them. According to Luke 2: 8-14, the greatest message of the good news for humanity heralded by angels was first to the shepherds, the first gifts Christ ever received were from unknown people not His own. God loves everyone and all are included in this joyful celebration
Outward appearance is not important in God’s sight as 1 Samuel 16: 6-7 said, “The Lord does not look at the things like man…the Lord looks at the heart.” The scenario portray most of our celebration were outwardly. The true message of Christmas is to include everyone. This Christmas why don’t we include everyone because this is the will of God. Even in the judgment, Jesus question the people about ‘doing’ and ‘not doing’ the little things to the least people like the hungry, thirsty, stranger, needy, sick and prisoner (Mathew 25: 34-46); if we do an act of love toward these people we are doing to Him; If we didn’t, we are rejecting Him. Well, that is Jesus concern for humanity, for whom He gave His life. Will not that same person “Jesus” want us to celebrate His birthday with these people?
1. Not only buying gifts for ourselves and loves one, why not buy for our poor neighbors; under priviledge people; that old man or woman living alone without any one caring for them; those children whose parents are alcoholics or divorcees; that family, friends or strangers having no one in particular to make them feel special; the prisoners, orphans, sick and old age people.
2. Not only decorating our houses, churches, why can’t we invite the orphans, unloved ones, widows, destitute people and neighbors to celebrate. It can be a small thanksgiving prayer fellowship with tea and snacks but it will touch their hearts to love and live again.
3. Not only going to the church and listening to sermon, why not visit our friends, families and neighbors who doesn’t attend church and spend time with them to talk about what Christmas meant to us and to them. That is the essence and spirit of Christmas.
4. Not only wearing beautiful clothes which make us feel good, why not feel good in our hearts, because in our hearts we know that we are the reason for somebody’s happiness, hope and for their prayer answered this Christmas. That is the true essence of love to all. Let us encourage one another to do the best we can and share it with every person reachable. Following our hearts as the Lord lead us and make this Christmas a memorable one.
To these people Christmas is, “. . . a necessity. There has to be at least one day of the year to remind us that we’re here for something else besides ourselves.” Eric Sevareid “This is the message of Christmas; we are never alone” Taylor Cardwell
“Christmas is most truly Christmas when we celebrate it by giving the light of love to those who need it the most” Ruth Carter Stapleton “Christmas my child is love in action. Every time we love, every time we give, it’s Christmas” Dale Evans Rogers “It is Christmas every time you let God love others through you… yes it is Christmas every time you smile at your brother and offer him your hand” Mother Teresa
What about you? What is Christmas to you? What plan do you have for Christmas this year? Celebrating Christmas doesn’t need a specific time; yet with this festive season at our doorstep, let us take this opportunity to celebrate it with the true Christmas essence, loving one and all. That is the Christmas I plan to fulfill and sincerely yearn for every Christian this Christmas as we celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. May you experience a wonderful blessing as you give and receive in your hearts this Christmas!
Merry Christmas 2016
