As I was flipping through some newspapers this morning, I was struck at how Kathmandu is warming up again for a huge Christmas bash. Another excuse for celebrations of frivolity and excess… City restaurants, pubs, star hotels all in unison organising exotic food, wine and dance for the big event ahead. Rivalry is on among the big party centers to throw the wildest of them all with free unlimited drinks. Wow! Santa all set to take centre stage. How wild can people get and how illogical in their quest for the wild! No questions. Christmas without Christ.
But what is the real meaning of Christmas? Is it the gifts under the tree, the lights in the windows, and shouts of “Merry Christmas” in parties? To the largest number of people all over the world that IS Christmas, take it or leave it. Someone exclaimed some time back, “They have even brought God into Christmas!” Meaning – no room for God in Christmas.
God sent His Son, Jesus, into the world, because He loved the world so much. But now it is all glory to the big fat Santa, or the cute baby in the manger. For most people, even Christians, the image of the babe in the manger totally defines Christmas. This is almost a mockery of a response to God for the greatest gift of peace, forgiveness and reconciliation He could give.
Why? Because that baby became a grown up man, who said He had come to bring Good News to the poor; who taught us to love our neighbours as much as we do ourselves; who said that whatever we do for the least important people, it’s just as though we do it for Him. That baby was destined and willing to give His life for everyone, the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world.
Let us enjoy the season and the celebration. Maybe we should think about how we can bring glory to this holy celebration in a different and dignified way this Christmas. Let us broaden our view and look at the Man beyond the manger. Let us protect Christmas and uphold its true value by surrendering afresh to God and His Love.
Republished in new layout 6/26/2013
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