The Morning After Christmas

A day has passed... the sun has set and rose again upon us. All gifts are opened and most clothes tried on. Our feasts already eaten and we are just waking up from a long night of slumber. Stores across the nation begins to rebreathe life into themselves. Malls open early to accept a wave of shoppers who are returning or buying things with outrageous discounts posted across the department stores. Young teenagers and adults head up to the mountain to ski down the snow-capped mountain. The night time light displays begin to disappear across the country. Christmas trees' decorations taken down, stowed away for another season and trees prepped to be discarded in the dump. The pulse in the artery of life resumed this morning.

What happened to Christmas? What happened to the jovial nature of Christmas? Why do we return so quickly to our normal lives, forgetting the very blessed day that we experienced just less than twenty-four hours ago? What happened to the time that we enjoyed so much being with the family?

Most importantly... what happened to Christ?

It amazes me how quickly we seem to forget that Christ, the long-awaited Messiah who was born in Bethelehem in a lowly stable and the promised Savior that was foretold thousands of years before his arrival, was forgotten. I could compare Christmas to a sparrow that entered a barn door and exited another one, just spending merely seconds inside. That is how quickly Christmas seemed to be.

For me, this Christmas was special. This was the first Christmas on Sunday that was filled with profound meaning to me as a true Christian. After opening presents and eating together with my family, we headed to a church service that was filled with joyful shouts of praise. My soul felt very joyful and felt like it wanted to burst open and shout endless praises to God for His arrival. Even if a few peopleshowed up (less than 1/3 of normal number of people), it didn't hamper the spirit of Christmas and His birthday. To me, it was the first time when I really sang Jesus a "Happy Birthday" song.

It made me think as I sang this song... where is Christ in my life? I know that he is Immanuel (God within) and he resides inside me through the indwelling Holy Spirit who serves to be my counsel whenever I need it. I know that he never forsakes me. Since he dwells inside me, I should give something back to him. What could match the gift that He gave to me? More importantly, have I placed my 100% commitment to Christ?

I have tried... and tried... and tried... but I have failed.

I didn't despaired. Instead, that serves me as a fuel to strive to become more and more like Christ (santification) and I know that in the end, when I die, I will be joyfully received in the Kingdom of Heaven with Christ's arms open and the words, "Welcome home, my child!" Filled with that thought, I have given my gift to Christ in the church. I gave him the gift of my total commitment to Him.

What does it mean by a total commitment to Christ?

Setting aside myself and allowing Him to reign in my life. Loving neighbors as I love myself. Honor and revere Lord my God and not bowing down before other gods of the world (money, power, fame, etc.). Not judging others (except for the purpose of spiritual discipline and rebuking in a loving ways) lest I would be judged by the same measures. Loving my enemies and bless them who presecute me. When somebody strikes me on a cheek, turn to another cheek instead of striking back. Embracing prostitutes and fornificators, not condemning them for their past actions (even if they were wrong and goes against what Christ teaches). Loving the poor and rich equally. Never turn anybody away when they need help the most.

This list is just a scratch on the surface, but what makes this faith so simple yet difficult to live by is because it goes against our very human nature (sin-ridden and filthy) who desires only carnal things. With the power of Holy Spirit and the willingness to allow Him take control of my life, I will be able to conquer each of those behemoth obstacles in my life and cultivate His deepest intimacy. The world will notice me and say, "Look at this fool... worshipping this so-called God of universe" and presecute me... but powers nor demons nor angels nor governments nor anything in the world will SEPARATE ME FROM THE LOVE OF CHRIST.

The immatchable love of God is the only true gift that I will ever receive. All materials that I get from people (nice, they are) will perish and fade away, but the amazing grace that saved a wretch like me is a gift that will not decay, but will continue to flourish every moment of my life and into the eternity.

That is why I celebrate Christmas, Jesus Christ's birthday.