Christmas is NOT Your Birthday
“They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” (Matthew 2:11, NLT)
By this time of the year, most of us may have already finished our Christmas shopping. But if you’re like me, you probably have not started yet. I just love the adrenaline rush of last-minute grab-whatever-is-there shopping. Many of us have meticulously made a list of the children that we “must” give gifts to. We may have also given our family members enough hints so they can figure out what we want for Christmas like something that hovers, can be remotely controlled and takes HD videos. Got it Sis Nikki ☺? Anyways, let’s go back to my point. Isn’t it interesting that we take so much time and energy about the gifts we will give and receive on someone else’ birthday? It’s not even our birthday and we are not the celebrants.
In the midst of all the busyness and celebration, have we thought about what the real celebrant wants? How do we make this day special for Jesus, not for ourselves? How would you feel if, in honor of your birthday, people started giving gifts to one another, held parties and get-togethers, even traveled and went on vacations and yet spent less time with you, missed visiting you at your house, would even ask you to give them gifts instead of giving you one? Again, how would you feel? And yet that’s how we often celebrate Christmas. Christmas is Jesus’ birthday. He is the celebrant. Please don’t get me wrong. I am not saying that we should stop all the traditions and customs that have made Christmas the joyful holiday that it is. All I’m saying is that we should be thoughtful on who should be the center of those celebrations.
As we celebrate Christmas let us reflect on how we can truly celebrate Christ. Let us think of the best gift we can give Him – our time, our trust, our surrender, our whole lives. Let us spend more time with Him in prayer and in worship. Let us make this day special for Jesus, not ourselves. Remember, Christmas is not your birthday. Don’t let Christ be the casualty of your Christmas celebration.
–Pastor Jong
