It’s only the first week of December and I already see Christmas decorations everywhere. Even at my house, we have a Christmas tree that we purchased a few years back which started our family tradition of putting it up every year the week of Thanksgiving. It was first bought as a gift for my wife and now it has become a source of joy for my whole family. My two kids certainly love seeing the tree light up every night and they get excited to see other houses with Christmas decorations. I just wish that I could share the same excitement as I did when I was a kid. Even as I write this column, my mind is preoccupied with things that I have to prepare for Christmas and the end of the year programs. Churches across the world are preparing programs and special worship services for Christmas because it certainly is one of the most important days for us Christians. In fact, we already had our annual Christmas Banquet last night. It was a refreshing reminder that Christmas is not a time of stress and busyness but a time of joy. We sang Christmas carols, ate good food prepared by the Philippines missions team and we certainly enjoyed a warm ambiance created by beautiful decorations. Thanks to everyone who worked hard to put together such a wonderful banquet for people to enjoy.
With Christmas only a few weeks away how are you and your family preparing for that day? Are the children in your family putting together a list of things they want to receive as this year’s Christmas gifts? Or is your family planning to spend good quality time together as 2012 comes to an end? Recently I heard on the radio that many people are not looking forward to this year’s Christmas due to the bad economy. The thought of getting gifts for people and the money associated with the gifts are too burdensome that people would rather skip Christmas. I, for one, am already looking through websites and store advertisements to find good deals for Christmas gifts. It has become one of my priorities to prepare for every Christmas. I already have more than four Christmas related parties where a gift exchange is involved. Satan has twisted the true meaning of Christmas and it has now become a holiday where many people don’t even call it “CHRISTmas”. More and more, today’s culture seems to emphasize the glitter of this world rather the One who was born in the small town of Bethlehem.
There is a popular song called “All I Want for Christmas” that’s played over and over during this Christmas season. My wife and I especially enjoy Mariah Carey’s version of that song. “I don't want a lot for Christmas. There's just one thing I need. I don't care about the presents underneath the Christmas tree. I just want you for my own more than you could ever know. Make my wish come true, all I want for Christmas is you...I don't need to hang my stocking, there upon the fireplace. Santa Claus won't make me happy with a toy on Christmas day. I just want you for my own. More than you could ever know, make my wish come true. All I want for Christmas is you.” As many people sing these lyrics over the next few weeks, I wish and pray that what people want will be Jesus Christ. No matter how many gifts we receive for Christmas, the joy and satisfaction won’t last long. Only Jesus Christ is our source of eternal joy and peace. Let the peace of God rule in your hearts as you prayerfully prepare for Christmas. I also pray that the joy of the Lord will be your perfect strength as many have end of the year exams and projects at schools and work places.
From Pastor Brian’s Heart
December 9, 2012