Celebrating Christmas: Beyond The Glitz and Glam

       Christmas  is all about  celebrating the joyous occasion of birth of Jesus. However, these days it is increasingly becoming commercial with more shopping, decorations, gift giving,  Christmas parties , finding Christmas friend and more. By focusing on all of these secular activities, the true meaning of Christmas is slowly fading away. So, how can this Christmas be celebrated more meaningfully? Here’s how:

  Showing Your Love: Jesus gave one great message to the world  and that was to “Love one another”. The same love can be shown to your neighbours, loved ones, strangers and even our enemies. One way to show your love is to show that you care. Reach out to those in need with the message of love and helping hands.

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 Giving to the needy: God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son to the world. You too can look for real needy people around you and give something they need. It may be orphanages, poor household or people who need money to treat their sickness. One example is to help others with the needy supplies at home. Your closet may have far too many clothes than you need. Why not give some of them to those in need or to charitable organizations?

Mending broken relationship: If you are in strained relationship  with someone, there is no perfect time than Christmas to mend that broken relationship. Pray for them and extend a good relationship by asking God to mend that broken relationship. You can even take time to say “sorry” and to  surprise them with a gift.

Praying Together as a family:  The Bible commands us to Pray and to Pray  unceasingly. It is great to pray when  you are with your loved ones on a holiday. On Christmas day, it is better to attend a local church and to celebrate the Joy of Christmas with everyone. If you are not a regular church member, still is is better to attend a church close to your home on this special day. (Mathew 18:19-20)  says this about prayer “Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them”.

 Spreading the message of hope and uplift the broken hearted:  There are far too many fellow brothers and sisters  in this world suffering due to lack of resources, sickness, floods, droughts, volcano eruptions and even war. Let us take time to pray for the world this Christmas day. Give them a message of hope if possible. Share what  Jesus said to his apostles during the last supper, “In the world ye shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

 Showing your care: If you happen to know any elderly people in old age homes or staying alone, get them to celebrate christmas with you. Invite them to celebrate the Christmas with you and show that you care.

  Celebrate the joyous occasion with everyone. Merry Christmas!