Isaiah 9:6-7 declares: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.”
I cannot but imagine what the first Christmas was like compared to what the holiday has become today. What is so amazing is the real meaning of this Blessed season has been almost completely eliminated when we look around us. We even have many who will refuse to recognize the name of Jesus in anything that has to do with Christmas. What we find is the strong wave aimed at suppressing the true meaning of Christmas in our society.
Christmas celebration was born out of love. You cannot love without giving. The Almighty God gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life. Giving and receiving gifts is a highlight of Christmas time. Our Wonderful Gift, Jesus, was wrapped with God’s unconditional love to whoever will receive Him. This Christmas let us lift very high for everyone to see our Wonderful Gift, Jesus, by cherishing the gift from God and un-wrapping the gift with hearts of thanksgiving.
When we unwrap the Wonderful Gift, we find the contents described in Isaiah 11:2-5, "The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord and he will delight in the fear of the Lord. He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears; but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked. Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist."
We can un-wrap the Wonderful Gift this Christmas by imitating some of His qualities, touching those around us who need the gift of love, hope, friendship, a listening ear, or courage. Let us cherish our Savior, the Wonderful Gift, by giving to less fortunate people in our communities; many of whom are fighting loneliness and depression. Especially around this time of year, there are numerous reports of suicide attempts.
Let us un-wrap the Wonderful Gift by remembering the widows, widowers, and the orphans by displaying acts of unconditional kindness. Let us un-wrap the Wonderful Gift by praying for the sick and shut-ins, intercede for sinners, and supplicate on behalf of other believers. Let us not forget to pray comfort for the families of soldiers who have lost loved ones from the wars in Iraq or Afghanistan. Let us pray for speedy recovery of all our wounded soldiers. Let us celebrate Christmas by un-wrapping the Wonderful Gift-Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord.
Merry Christmas in different languages, from my family to you and yours.
French - "Joyeux Noël"
Hebrew - "Mo'adim Lesimkha. Chena tova"
Spanish - "Feliz Navidad"
Afrikaans - "Geseënde Kersfees en ‘n Voorspoedige Nuwe Jaar."
Arabic - "I'd Miilad Said Oua Sana Saida"
Italian - "Buone Feste Natalizie"
Portuguese - "Feliz Natal", "Boas Festas"
Yoruba - "E ku o dun Keresimesi"