Hey guys!
Its that time of the year when the world celebrates. Every song you hear seems to say; Merry Christmas!!!!!
It was with so much joy and anticipation that I looked forward to Christmas when we would sometimes, travel to the village to see grandparents and other relatives, throw Christmas parties that would last all night long on Christmas eve, go to church to give thanks to God the following morning, have the church choir visit our homes to sing Christmas carols, send Christmas cards and presents to family members and friends, crawl under the tree, pull out the presents and rip off the paper, dress up in new dresses to see Santa, serve turkey, chicken, goat or ram alongside with other traditional meals like pounded yam, jollof rice, vegetable salad and many more.
It was with so much joy and anticipation that I looked forward to Christmas when we would sometimes, travel to the village to see grandparents and other relatives, throw Christmas parties that would last all night long on Christmas eve, go to church to give thanks to God the following morning, have the church choir visit our homes to sing Christmas carols, send Christmas cards and presents to family members and friends, crawl under the tree, pull out the presents and rip off the paper, dress up in new dresses to see Santa, serve turkey, chicken, goat or ram alongside with other traditional meals like pounded yam, jollof rice, vegetable salad and many more.
At the end of the day, a very common question would be ‘Did you get everything you wanted’?
Truth is, I never got everything I wanted as a kid and I’m happy I dint! I guess my parents had the best intentions which I am thankful for today. Over the years I've grown wry about Christmas, I've gotten tired of all the shopping, the firecrackers, the vacations, parties and all sorts. I decided to take a moment to reflect on the main point of Christmas and with the help of the book of Luke, (particularly chapter 1 vs 53), I was able to get a better understanding of the true meaning of Christmas.
When Mary realized she was pregnant for Jesus (our king and Savior), she sang a song and my favorite part of it was; ‘He has filled the hungry with good things and the rich he has sent away empty’(deep!). Luke 2 vs 12 also says ‘And this would be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger'. Where am I going with this? Jesus was a king yet; he wasn't born in a palace or laid in a cradle of gold, lined with costly silks. He was born in a manger amongst animals with his very first visitors being lowly shepherds from the fields. What does this signify?
3 Things:
- He was laid in a manger to demonstrate the extent of his poverty. ‘Though he was rich yet, for your sakes he became poor, that you, through his poverty might become rich’ (2 Corinthians 8:9).
- He was laid in a manger to show his contempt for worldly riches and pomp. ‘That which is highly esteemed amongst men is an abomination in the sight of God’ (Luke 16:15).
- He was laid in a manger to mark his identification with human suffering and wretchedness.
Here are my thoughts on what Christmas means to me.
It means a chance to make a real difference in the lives of others
It means compassion.
The best Christmas gifts I received this year, maybe ever, were the smiles and looks on the children’s faces as I showed up with the little presents, shared my warm greetings, prayers and basically spent the most part of my day with them. This is what I find fulfilling and this is what Christmas means to me.
What does Christmas mean to you? Please feel free to share or leave a comment in the box below.
I've been following your blog for a minute Sophie and I can't seem to find the right words. Bless your heart! People could learn a thing or two from you. Happy holidays..x
ReplyDeleteBeautiful souls..
ReplyDeleteWonderful post..really unique and heartfelt. Christmas to me means showing love not just on christmas day but on every other day.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post.dnt see it early bt it means so much..
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The kids actually looked genuinely happy. The little fingers doing the "peace" sign. Just adorable
ReplyDeleteToinlicious
Lool yh dear..the kids are just too adorable..bless them all..:)
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