What I particularly observed in Christmas in the Philippines is their enthusiasm in giving gifts to their loved ones, and even saying Merry Christmas to strangers. They dedicate their times to choose what to give, and wrap them with beautiful wrappers, a pure wish for joy of the others.
Having grown up in Japan, I perceived Christmas as a fancy special day to receive gifts from “Santa Claus,” without knowing anything about “Christ.”
Even after becoming a Christian, Christmas still remains particularly a joyful season with a vivid significance of light decoration. But, a distinctive perspective came in: to be grateful for Christ’s birth, even though Christmas is not really the day of His birthday (or it may be by any chance).
The greatest gift given to us was Jesus. The beautiful light decorations point to the Light of the world: Jesus. I don’t know whether it was intended originally this way, but this is what I render the special day in my heart.
As a Christian, everyday I must be grateful for His birth. Nevertheless, this season still sends us to a special occasion to deeply be grateful and to contemplate in God’s amazing grace.
John 8:12 KJV
Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
The light that shed on the world was Jesus Christ.
Romans 6:23 KJV
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Eternal life through Jesus Christ is the greatest gift from God. No one can earn it. No one deserves it. We are all sinful. And yet, God has prepared it by sending Jesus Christ to the earth, making Him the sacrifice to cover our sins.
Christmas is indeed a season rendored in vivid beautiful lights and joy. But behind it was the fact that He had to come and sacrifice Himself on the cross because of our sinful nature. With this in mind, let us be even more grateful during the special season, and even everyday.
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