20111225
Christmas is the celebration today by Christians (and others) all over the world as the birthday of Jesus Christ. We can safely say that Christmas is the most celebrated holiday in the whole world and there is much joy and happiness linked to this day by many millions, including non-Christians. In Singapore, we celebrate Christmas in a very big way – see all the elaborate and beautiful decorations and hear the joyful songs at shopping centres and homes all over Singapore. There is much revelry associated with this Christmas season especially on Christmas Eve on 24 December. There is much exchanging of presents and gifts that take place during this season of giving and children are most happy with the celebration of Christmas.
However, for Christians, the celebration of Christmas is much more that simply joy, happiness, revelry and exchange of gifts – all are very good. Jesus Christ was born on that first Christmas some 2000 years ago for God to make the very special gift for all who want to have an intimate relationship with Him – the gift of eternal life in Jesus. “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” (Jn. 17:3). Jesus was born so that we can be “born again”. This was exactly what Rabbi Jesus told the Jewish ruling Council leader Nicodemus at an evening meeting they had. Jesus was to the point when He informed Nicodemus: “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” (Jn. 3:3). The giving of Jesus by God to humankind makes it possible for all people to be “born again” into the Kingdom of God.
It is wonderful if Christmas means for you the reality of being “born again” into the family of God – His Kingdom. Each one of us must experience this in our lives – no exceptions. Simply celebrating Christmas will not bridge the gap between God and you – you will need to come to God, accept/receive His forgiveness and enter His Kingdom of love, joy, peace and eternal life. There are many who go big time to celebrate Christmas – festivities, gifts, parties and all. It will count for nothing before God for all they do – it will only matter if they turn to Jesus, whose birthday they are celebrating, and welcome Him into their hearts as the Saviour of their lives. Christians need to tell these “Christmas celebrators” about the Saviour at their Christmas celebrations.
