Today is the 10th of November 2012, Saturday. I
had to sacrifice half a day of salary so that I can attend a Christmas
Tradition Seminar in our church in Victory Ortigas. It was very much worth the
effort of waking up early and going to and fro Robinsons galleria, to the
office, then later, back to Robinsons Galleria again for this week’s Saturday
service.
Growing up, we never really celebrated Christmas that much.
Here in the Philippines, I believe that the majority prepare more for the New
Year’s celebration than the Noche Buena. Well at least in my family’s case, it’s
like that.
The short seminar talked about Christmas traditions that we
can do, in order to celebrate the birth of Christ. And as a future wife, I
believe the responsibility of providing that for my family is upon my shoulder
(of course with my husband on the lead…Mind me, I think I was the only single
person who attended the seminar! ) I want to pass on to the next generation
after me, a series of Christmas traditions that will commemorate the birth of
Christ and at the same time, build lasting Christmas memories.
Pastor Ferdie Cabiling, gave a very short yet informative
sermon about how the society has turned its focus towards other concerns during
this season, rather than the real reason for celebration, which is the birth of
our Lord and Savior.
When we speak of traditions, “a series of activities or
practice” first come to mind. Putting up a Christmas tree, decorating the
house, exchange of gifts, family reunion etc. These are only to name a few.
According to Pastor Ferdie, there are good and bad traditions. For me,
traditions define majority of the culture within a society. And the family is
the fundamental structure of a society. So it’s good to start a tradition in
the family that will run its practice over the next generations to come.
Pastor Ferdie, mentioned something about “Good Human Values”
during Christmas. These involve doing charity, giving of gifts and the likes.
Of course these practice are good. But sometimes we tend to just divert most of
our time doing these things and neglecting to read Bible stories about Christ’s
birth, thanking God, or just merely remembering
the reason of the celebration, which is
Christ’s birthday.
Christmas is the season of giving. Now that I have come to
know Christ, I understood why. This morning during the sermon, a realization
came to my mind that Christmas has become the season of giving because Jesus
was born. And He “GAVE” His life in order to save us. I believe that really is
the “essence” of Christmas as a season of giving.
Pastor Ferdie also mentioned something about Christmas “Consumerism”.
Because often times, we exhaust ourselves and our time buying gifts and
Christmas shopping. This has been part of the tradition all over the world.
This is not something bad, because “giving” is not something bad. Let us just
not forget why we are celebrating.
During Christmas, I’ve heard of stories where people get
drunk, party and celebrate for Christmas. But if the party is for Jesus
birthday, I think He wouldn’t appreciate a party for Him where people get drunk.
I think Jesus would want a birthday party, where people will remember Him and
the reason He was born and sent by God. For without Him, all of us would still
be slaves of sin.
A question kept on flashing on the projector on the wall – “How
do you celebrate Christ’s birth”? I asked myself the same question and realized
that I have not really had the time and opportunity to really celebrate His
birthday!
Well, this 2012, I’m going to start having a different
Christmas. A Christmas full of Joy and Hope, because Christ was born.
A Christmas spent with loved ones and celebrated with the
focus on Jesus, my savior, being born. . .
Happy Holidays Everyone!
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