Time flies so fast and finally we reach December again. Since my last post, I have so many thoughts and things to do until no time to write the new post
December always identical with two things, winter and Christmas day! Yes, Christmas is coming if you read this post before 25 Dec :P. What is Christmas? Of course people will think like:
1. Present
2. Santa Claus
3. Christmas Decorations
4. Jesus' birthday
And surely...still many thoughts from different perspectives. Besides of Churches and fellowships, celebrations are everywhere and here in Singapore, every shopping centre has their own Christmas decoration and event. Moreover, most of the company has their own Christmas celebration!
However, do you realize whom are we celebrating?
Many of people will answer, "Of course Jesus!" and is this end of my post?
Hahaha no...today I try to explain who is Jesus that we always celebrate on 25 December by some of these points
1. Title
"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder,and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
- Isaiah 9:6 (ESV)
This verse is about Isaiah's prophecy about Jesus and explicitly tell His title. He always grant us the wisdom for life (eg. Mat 5-7), has the almighty God power (eg. performing miracles), equal sovereign level with God, our Father in heaven (John 10:30 and Acts 7:55-56), and give the peace which is more peaceful than this world gives! (Luke 1:79)
2. Appearance
"Who has believed what he has heard from us? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him." - Isaiah 53:1-2 (ESV)
He is born as an usual Israelite, follow the tradition as He was circumcised in the eight days prior to His birth (Luke 2:21), presented to the Lord (Luke 2:22-23), celebrated Passover (Luke 2:41-42) and being cared by His parents (Luke 2:48 & 51). Despite of His simplicity in appearance and family life, Lord has confirmed that He is the Son of God (John 1:32-34).
3. Political Power
" Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this." - Isaiah 9:7 (ESV)
Jesus' political power in this verse is illustrated with King David, king of great Israel which remained faithful to God until the end of his life. But, what differ Him from David?
Great Empire of Roman, has gone.
Ancient Greek Kingdom, has gone.
Mongol Empire, has gone.
But, Jesus' kingdom has remained until now and forever!! Its up to us whether you want to admit it or not. Why? Because, Lord has the zeal for human who are tended to commit sins!!!
Hope those 3 points can explain who Jesus is.
How is your Christmas celebration? Well for me, I am just thankful for having a celebration in campus fellowship. Why? Me with 5 friends together hosted His celebration with some deficiencies, but together we felt joy from Him together with the invitees :D
What I have learned from celebrating Christmas in these years,
- no Christmas dinner? Its okay
- no gifts exchange? Its okay
- no Christmas decoration? Its okay
Just be grateful for as He has given the Greatest Gift which surpass all of those 3 matters, yes its Jesus as the Gift (John 3:16) to deliver us from eternal death (Rm 3:23-24)!!!!
Christmas must be focused on Whom we celebrate for instead of what we celebrate for.
Merry Christmas 2015 and may His peace always be with you :D
Let me share some meaningful Christmas songs
We Are the Reason - Avalon
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMhajmOBr0c
Seorang Anak T'lah Lahir - Robert and Lea Sutanto
(in Bahasa: based on Isaiah 9:6)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZi4kIaNnOQ
And pls don't hesitate to leave some inputs or corrections in the comment section below :))
See you in my next post friends ^^
