“BUT the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Luke 2:10-12, NIV
How do you feel every Christmas season?
A few days ago (December 16, 2021 to be exact), Visayas and parts of Mindanao were hit by Typhoon Odette. If you will look at the drastic effect of this typhoon your heart will surely go with those who were hit by this sad situation.
Many have lost their houses, livelihood and even loved ones. This happened just a few days before Christmas, the happiest season throughout the year. And now, celebrating Christmas would be very difficult for them.
We may wonder why is it every Christmas season, drastic things happen in our country?
Tracing back the time of nativity, there were also different emotions displayed. For King Herod, this could be anger and jealousy, that’s why many infants died because of his insecurity of losing his throne because of Jesus (Matthew 2:16). This very situation brought great grief to many parents who lost their infants.
For the wise men, it could be a “wonderful feeling” when they finally saw with their very own eyes the “one” that the star is pointing at. For Mary, after being physically exhausted from giving birth at an uncomfortable place, she was still in the spirit of contemplation and reflection (“But Mary treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart. Luke 2:19).
With these encounters in Jesus’ birth, the shepherd’s experience is one that can give us an idea how we can have the true spirit of Christmas. Shepherds were afraid after seeing angel Gabriel. Because they believe that they could die after seeing an angelic being. Angel knew it and told them not to be afraid because they will receive the news that brings ‘great joy’ for all people.
“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Christmas focus must be Christ. He is the reason why we celebrate and not the holidays itself. The joy that Christmas brings are not because of material things or out of festivity. It is a joy that brings hope to mankind. It is because things on earth are temporary and we will face eternity that needs Savior Jesus for us to have it beautifully.
Remember, the first Christmas did not happen in a festive mode neither in extravagance. Jesus was born not just in simplicity but also in scarcity. He came at the time when people were busy but the poor shepherds were the one who received the great news and responded well.
We have the reason to have joy within(in whatever situation we may be in) because the “Messiah” was born as a real human to live and give eternal hope to the world.
May you have the best blessing-Jesus- in your family this Christmas. A blessed Christmas to all!
Para sa reaksyon o komento at tanong mag-email sa [email protected]
