The pain of Christmas
December 24th, 2006 by boon
Ok so we don’t quite get weather like this here at the equator, but I’d still like to say that I don’t really know what Christmas should “feel” like. Mainly because I’ve traditionally never celebrated Christmas prior to becoming a Christian.
I know for a fact that while so much attention is given to presents and shopping and candles and red and green, Christmas actually started with a lot of complications.
Firstly, the child to be born was nearly the target of a mass killing of male children aged two and under by Herod who was ruling at the time. Herod did this based on hearing the news of the arrival of a child who would grow up to be a great king.
Thus, circumstances caused the family to move to Egypt, where they resided for awhile. And to make matters worse, a “virgin birth” was not very well received by the Mary’s relatives, who questioned the identity of the true father.
So, Christmas to me is a bit different.
When ’tis season comes around every year, I reflect on the reality of what Christmas really is, and how God performs miracles amidst that pain.
For me, I’ve not been too happy about the apartment, about some uncertainties about my work in the future, about finances, about my dog-bitten slippers… but God made me realize that those were less important things.
I am surrounded by friends and family, by smiles and hugs and handshakes, and a confidence that God has things in control, well into the next year.
So I wish you a Merry Christmas, because I know that though every Christmas comes and goes, no matter what the situation, one thing remains the same: God always performs miracles.
Merry Christmas
heya~!
especially like the way you wrote this one. it brings things into perspective, and makes you think beyond our own ‘syiok-sendiri’ness. =) i’ve been thinking the same things.. this Christmas. On how the entire hope for all of mankind was contained in a little vulnerable baby. Unassuming and humble, unexpected. World-saving hope in small packages. Be joyful in every little thing. Merry Christmas, boon & lee lian. Blessings~!
first time i’m visiting — and me likey~!
albie… i tried calling you a few days ago… let’s try to meet up!
mich… it was good to see you again… your presence is always refreshing to the group. cheers!
Amen! God always performs miracles. This is a most blessed Christmas to me, our group has an additional member — Kevan. I really thank God for He put Kevan into my life. and I never imagine that we were get together, where we are not keep contact since 2004 choir until recent month, God made the way that let us connect each other. God is good all the time and all the time God is good. He will always reserve the best for us. What we have to do is continue to believe in Him and trust and obey Him. Blessed Christmas to you, Lee Lian and your family. Fellowship forever.
I’m happy for u Susu… looking forward to 2007 with you guys……..