17 Dec Becoming the Gift of Christmas

BECOMING THE GIFT OF CHRISTMAS

The spirit of the Lord God is upon me because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and release to the prisoners, (Isaiah 61:1)

The first thing that comes to mind during Christmas is everything but Christ. People would first think of presents, parties, and festive meals. In Singapore, Christmas is always a time when the main shopping strip on Orchard road is filled with photoworthy decorative lights and unending posters of shopping sales. Christmas is a time for increased consumerism. We also grew up hearing Christmas songs that have been focused on spending, buying and receiving gifts. But is this the true nature of Christmas?

Christmas has always been about giving. It has always been about God giving us Jesus, whose destiny was to die for us so that we can have eternal life. It has always been about giving hope to the hopeless. So instead of just focusing on getting gifts for families and friends, it’s time to switch our giving to reflecting Christ’s love.

Humanity is suffering. The pandemic has magnified isolation resulting in an increase in depression. The ongoing war has affected prices, causing the poor to suffer even more. Hope is lost, and there is increased pessimism in the world. From a position of privilege, we should respond to the needs and suffering of the world. Learning from the prophet Isaiah, we should bring good news to the afflicted, release the captive and imprisoned, to comfort those who mourn, and to encourage the disheartened. All of these can and should be done by those (individuals, Churches, organisations) who are able to give.

It is also true that Christmas is a time to rejoice, to give thanks for the year that has passed and to remind ourselves of the significance of Christ in our lives. Regardless of our circumstances, we should live our lives with the same significance as the birth of Christ. We are agents of change and of hope. In all that we do, our work should reflect Christ’s love. Our words should speak life to the hopeless situation. Our journey should constantly be a testimony that glorifies Christ.

Leading up to Christmas, we should take the time to thank God for all that has been done throughout the year, the good and the bad. We should also keep our sisters and brothers in prayer; for the injustices they face, for the daily silent suffering, for the sick and for God’s peace to reign on earth. With that, we can then reflect and work towards enacting actionable plans to complement the prayers uttered. Then, we will be like Christ. We become the gift that keeps on giving.

prayer

Lord, who came to this world like us and died for us, help us that we celebrate your coming with true meaning. Help us that we may not get distracted by the attractions of this consumer society. May we always celebrate your coming in the spirit of true hope, joy and love. Amen!

for further thought

Christmas is coming. So what do I do to share Christ’s love and joy with those disadvantaged and unloved?

Faris Ariffin

Council for World Mission