Christmas was celebrated yesterday and yet, many people still don't what the true meaning and essence of Christmas and how it should be celebrated. What is the true essence of Christmas? How should it be celebrated? Let's ask ourselves these questions....I. Why are we celebrating Christmas?
We are celebrating Christmas because we are remembering the birth of Jesus Christ our Savior! (It's not all about eating a lot or to receive a lot of gifts.)
II. Who is the true protagonist of Christmas?
It's Jesus, The God who took on Human flesh to be crucified on the cross of Calvary, to receive the punishment of man and save mankind from the bondage of sin. (It's not the fat, bearded man w/ a red hat and not the deer w/ a red nose) Only Jesus gave us the gift of Salvation, a gift far more better than any other present.
III. Where are we basing the celebration of Christmas?
We knew of the story of Christmas from the Bible that's why we should really base our celebration of Christmas on what is written in the Bible. Let's look on the celebration of Christmas today, there's a lot of other stuff included in the celebration of Christmas which are not really necessary, things that doesn't have basis on the Bible or any connection w/ what is written in the Bible. Usually, these things are "western influences" just like the elf, Santa Claus and the flying reindeer. Because of these western influences, the truths written in the Bible are slowly changed, here are some of them:
3 Kings (Matthew 2:1-11)
-they are actually astrologers probably from Persia.
-nothing is written in the Bible that there were only 3 wise men (or Magi). They could be a one caravan that caught a lot of attention in Jerusalem.
-they might be mistakenly thought to be three because of the 3 gifts (Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh).
-they were wise because they consulted the scripture and not just the star. (Micah 5:2)
Winter/ Snow
-because Christmas celebration was set in winter season, it was also mistakenly thought to be the season of the real Christmas Day.
-the season of the real Christmas day would probably be summer because of it's winter, the shepherds won't be able to tend their sheep because of the cold.
-many song talk about "winter" or "white Christmas", and many desired to have such Christmas.
-Let us not desire to have a white Christmas, the First Christmas was just simple and snow is not included in the scene, Let us all desire a simple but meaningful celebration.
Now let's look at some biblically based traditions:
Caroling
-based on the singing of angels on Christmas day (remember Gloria in Excelsis Deo?!)
Parol
-Christmas star or star of Betlehem
Gift-giving and exchange gifts
-gifts of the Magi
(Reminder: in the celebration of Christmas, let us remember that we could still celebrate it even w/o these things, remember that the angels did not sing and ask for something nor did the magi had exchanging of gifts, the magi gave it all to Jesus.)
IV. If Christmas is truly centered on Jesus, Why are there people who are SMP (Samahan ng Malalamig ang Pasko)?
Many of us feel sad when Christmas comes, especially those who doesn't have their loved ones w/ them. If Jesus is truly the center of our celebration, we should not focus on other things, though it may really be sad. God wants us to have Joy! That's why he sent His Son to die on the cross for our sins and save all of mankind (John 3:16). That's why when Jesus came into the world, everyone rejoiced! Everyone who saw Jesus knew that He is the Savior sent by God, they knew He is the one who will save everyone from the punishment of sin.
V. Conclusion
What is the true essence of Christmas?
-It is all about loving as God has loved us and sharing w/ one another especially with those who are in need.
-It is all about knowing the "Christ" of CHRISTmas. Establishing a personal relationship w/ Him by confessing of our sins, asking for forgiveness and accepting Jesus Christ as your own personal Lord and Savior, it's all about receiving His Forgiveness and Salvation.
-It is all about celebrating Christmas based on biblical truths. Let the Bible be the basis of our celebration, remove traditions and practices which has no connection w/ what is written in the Bible, stick with what God has given us in the Bible and don't include other stuff so that Christ won't be out of place in Christmas. Keep the celebration simple and based on the Bible.
I hope you got a better perspective about Christmas, A Blessed Christmas and a Prosperous New Year to everyone! God bless us all! ^_^
