CHRISTMAS 2006

Recently I heard a jolting observation made by a pastor that “CHRISTMAS IS NOT ABOUT CHRIST, IT IS ALL ABOUT ME”. Now on first thoughts, that really sounded sacrileges, what an insult to Christ and all that God did more than 2000 years ago, when the first angelic choir sang “Glory to God in the Highest and on Earth peace and good will to all men”. Since then each year when Christmas comes around, we celebrate “Joy to the World, the Lord has come”. Christmas must surely be about Christ, without the “Christ” in CHRISTmas, then we only have X-mas.

But you know, on second thoughts and deeper reflection, it is very true too that CHRISTMAS IS ALL ABOUT ME, because the real “why” of Christmas is really all about ME. Because from this side of heaven, if there were no ME then there was no need for the God of all the heavens and earth to come into earthly existence, to be born in a lowly manger, to enter into suffering humanity, to give of Himself for ME.

Yes, jarring and selfish as it may sound…..CHRISTMAS IS ALL ABOUT ME and I can just hear God whisper in my ear “Son, you finally got it, I love you so much, Blessed Christmas.”

John 3:16 (NLT) “For God so loved ME (the world) that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

My prayer this Christmas would be that it will not stop with ME. With a grateful heart and with reverent awe I want to celebrate this reality of Christmas with my family, friends and the community……through what I say, do, think and feel this Christmas, I pray it will also point many to this point of realization and confession that “CHRISTMAS IS ALL ABOUT ME”.

Philippians 2:5-11 (NLT) 5 Your attitude should be the same that Christ Jesus had. 6 Though he was God, he did not demand and cling to his rights as God. 7 He made himself nothing (He laid aside his mighty power and glory); he took the humble position of a slave and appeared in human form (and was born in the likeness of men and was found in appearance as a man). 8 And in human form he obediently humbled himself even further by dying a criminal’s death on a cross. 9 Because of this, God raised him up to the heights of heaven and gave him a name that is above every other name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

WISHING ALL A BLESSED CHRISTMAS

AND MAY YOU HEAR HIS SPECIAL WHISPER

THIS CHRISTMAS-"I LOVE U".