Filipino Christmas ThoughtsSample

CHRISTMAS WITHOUT THE PERIPHERALS

Let me be a party pooper as you prepare for your next Christmas affair.

You've by now "prettified" your house, bedecked your Christmas tree with tinsels, balls, flowers and ribbons, maybe even shopped to death for everyone in your Christmas gift list. Not to forget the parties―food galore, presents, fancy clothes.

Wooh-hooh! Just thinking about all that made me woozy. "Does it have to be this stressful?" I ask that every Christmastime, and someone always counters, "It stimulates the economy. Life would be a complete bore if we didn't have this long feel-good break."

Delete the stress, Christmas is lovely. We've all been accustomed to it being demanding and frenzied, but it's all up to us to dig the diamond from the rough.

Go ahead, shop, party and relish all the puto-bumbong, bibingka and jamon. Because you may have received your bonus and have extra cash, bless your loved ones and others in need. But remember, don't revel in the garnishings!

Christmas is not about the glitter but the glory―His glory descending into this valley of darkness.

We're all in that pit, somehow―souls darkened by hopelessness, addiction, greed, and pride. The list is endless. Statistics have proven that the most number of suicides occur during this season. Indeed, tinsels and booze don't make for gladness.

THIS is Christmas: Immanuel, God with us!

He's not after being crowned pageant king only on Christmas, holy week or Sundays. He came to be our Resident Physician, Teacher, Provider, Strength, Peace, Grace, Mercy and whatever else you need to fill your empty life with, 24/7.

"For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

"Glory to God in the highest, peace on earth among men with whom He is pleased," proclaimed the multitude of heavenly host on Jesus' birth."

Pleased with us? Hmm… I dare say yes, not because we're so wonderful, but because this Messiah afterwards shed His blood on the cross―though we were His enemies―cleansing from unrighteousness anyone who would put His faith in Him.

Prayer: I want to celebrate you Jesus as my Savior and Lord, 24/7. Thank you for saving and changing me, for the glory of your name.