The air is filled with anticipation, Christmas is here! Christmas is often a time of external celebrations, adorned with sparkling lights, festive decorations and the exchange of presents. However, the true magic of Christmas goes beyond the tangible and the visible which lies in a timeless truth that resonates across the globe: “God loved us so much that he came to be with us finds its biblical roots in the name “Immanuel,” meaning “God with us.” The ultimate gift— JESUS the gift of God’s presence in human form. It extends a silent invitation to create a space within ourselves free from the chaos of the world where the divine presence of Jesus can find a home and transform our lives. Jesus says, “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in and we will share a meal together as friends” (Revelation 3:20).Jesus is knocking at the door of your life. Are you going to open it, let Him in and make room for Him?
In the hustle and bustle of holiday preparations, it’s easy to get lost in superficial festivities. Christmas loses its true essence when overshadowed by consumerism and materialism. The grandeur of decorations and the excitement of gift-giving can mask a deeper sense of longing for something more meaningful. Many people experience a sense of emptiness in spite of the outward cheer as they look for the real meaning of Christmas. It is found in the spiritual awakening within, a transformation that renders all external celebrations in vain until Jesus is born in us. The birth of Jesus within us becomes a beacon of hope.
Christmas celebrations, whether in churches, homes or communities are communal affirmations of God’s love. Christmas becomes a sacred season for reflection and gratitude. It involves a conscious choice to invite the presence of Jesus Christ into the very fabric of our existence. The divine decision to be with us heralds a pathway to salvation and reconciliation. It speaks to the yearning of the human soul for a relationship with the divine, which is made possible only through the birth of Jesus.
We need to clean our hearts in order to welcome the transformative power of Christmas. It is an opportune time to acknowledge and express gratitude for the blessings in our lives fostering a deeper connection with God. Use this time to deepen your relationships with friends, family, co-workers and relatives. This entails acting with compassion, humility and generosity in all of our encounters with one another. Beyond the tangible presents, the focal point of our celebrations is the sharing of love and kindness which leaves a lasting impression on everyone in our vicinity. Jesus is the Light of the World who illuminate our paths and becomes a source of wisdom, clarity and understanding dispelling the darkness of doubt and confusion. Let’s have a meaningful celebration filled with the profound magic that transcends the material and awakens the spiritual within.
What we need this year is not the promise of Christmas. We need the promise of Christ. We need the Messiah, not merriment. We need God, not goodwill. We need His presence, not just presents. Anything or anyone else will fall short of this. Amidst the celebrations, let us honour the religious significance of Christmas and never forget that it is a time when God became physically present among us. We can make this Christmas genuinely special for ourselves and others by embracing the spirit of giving, sharing inspiration and preserving meaningful traditions.
