Have a CHRIST-filled Christmas

Christmas is just next week; it's a time to commemorate the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Jesus' birth was unique in many ways:
1. It was prophesied long ago by many (Gen 3:15;22:18; Is 7:14; 9:6-9; Mic 5:2).
2. His birth was through a virgin Mary by the power of the Holy Spirit (Lk 1:34-35).
3. He was the Incarnate Son of God (Jn 1:14; Ps 2:7,12).
4. He was born in a stable, announced by angels and proclaimed by the shepherds (Lk 2:7-18).
5. Worshipped by the magi (Mt 2:11).
6. Born to be the Saviour of the world (Mt 1:21).

Christmas has always been a season of giving and parties, coming at the end of the year where people receive their bonuses. The commercial world has captilised on this to get people to part with their money. Lest the true meaning and intent of Christmas be lost in the celebrations, here are a few thoughts on Christmas even as wrap up 2010:

Contentment: Learning to live within our means and trying not to live on credit. Whatever God has blessed us with, we ought to be content and possibly share it with those in need (Phil 4:12; 1Tim 6:6).

Harmony: Learning to co-exist with one another on this planet and especially those who are closest and dearest to us. Forgiving one another and receiving forgiveness should be part of our DNA (Phil 4:2).

Righteousness: The wrath of God has been laid on Jesus Christ that we might become the righteousness of God (2 Cor 5:21). Let's not live our lives without God in total abandonment because one day the wrath of God would be unleased again towards those who reject His Son (Rom 1:18-32).

Investment: Not so much of making a quick buck in business, shares, properties, etc. but more so in building up of lives of people we come into contact with on a regular basis. One great investment is to share the good news of salvation and to disciple them for the Lord (Mt 28:19-20).

Service: We have been created by God for good works (Eph 2:10). We have heard the phrase that we should move from success to significance. Significance comes about when we do something meaningful with our lives to help impact society for good.

Thanksgiving: Let's thank God for the greatest gift He has given - Jesus Christ (Jn 3:16), and also the many blessings He has dropped along our way. When we cultivate the attitude of thanksgiving in our lives, we learn to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God (1 Pet 5:6; 1 Th 5:18).

I wish you a CHRIST-filled Christmas!
May you personally experience the CHRIST of Christmas this holiday season.