Christmas is 15 days away. The momentum of the commercial world for Christmas is picking up. Though, the economic downturn may cause less buying and festivity, the spirit of Christmas will be felt & experienced by many in different ways. The Christmas trimmings are up in most major shopping centres. The old familiar song “Santa Claus is coming to Town…” does catalyst you to that so-called Christmas mood – festivity feeling, drinking, partying and Ho! Ho! Ho! … yes that familiar Santa Claus bringing you what you have wished for in your Christmas wish-list!

When I was in China with my family 4 years ago you will be amazed if not surprised to see a “3-storey” high smiling Santa standing and greeting you at one of the shopping centres there! And boy, you should see the mad rush to buy the Christmas trimmings, black pudding & other goodies, Santa’s outfit and even Rudolf’s nose … China beats even the most Christian country when it comes to Christmas as far as getting ready for that celebration is concerned. It’s still the same today from what I gather. By now even in Malaysia, lots of hotels would have put together their list of offers “to ensure you make the most of Christmas” ….. Christmas trees, nativity scenes, ginger bread-man cookies, turkey, Christmas party, Christmas dinners and lunches … they will endeavour their best “to cater to all your seasonal desires”. You can find that exciting, happy and unique atmosphere during this time of the year. In our own hot & humid Malaysia – you can even find snow-white Christmas trees and Frosty the snow-man!! We can get carried away with what the commercial world has to offer and missing out on what the real meaning of Christmas.

How many really know that the reason for Christmas is our Lord Jesus Christ.? I wonder how many really even realise or feel in their heart that Jesus is the reason for Christmas. Many still think Christmas is Santa Claus and why not when Santa has taken the centre stage in the commercial world ….. in many ways a Christmas deception, isn’t it?

All this celebration becomes meaningless if Jesus is left out in the picture.

So, my Christian brothers & sisters-in-Christ, as we celebrate this season, let us be reminded that the true presence of Christmas is found in Jesus. Let the celebration of His birth not only touch our hearts but the hearts of those we share about the gift Jesus gave everyone through His birth. Let us share with them this GOOD NEWS and the free gift of Jesus.

A Blessed Christmas to everyone!!