Real Essence of CHRISTmas

Many people, even religious leaders, tend to undermine the real meaning of Christmas. They say it is about giving, caring, sharing, loving, joy, peace, hope, among others. Pero ang hindi nababangit ng marami, ang Pasko ay tungkol sa plano ng Diyos para sa tao sa pamamagitan ni Cristo. Ito ang dahilan kung bakit kailangang mas nakatuon tayo sa KALIGTASAN na ibinibigay ng Diyos, hindi sa nagmamahalang regalo, Christmas parties, monito-monita at Christmas bonus.

CHRISTMAS IS ABOUT GOD’S FORGIVENESS AND SALVATION. The name Jesus Christ means “Savior-King.” It represents God's universal plan for all men. He sent His son to SAVE and RESCUE man from the curse of sin (John 3:16, Galatians 3:13). Hinubad ni Jesus ang kaniyang pagka-Diyos, upang mamuhay kasama ng makasalanang tao at iligtas ang sanlibutan mula sa sumpa ng kasalanan (Juan 1:1,14; Filipos 2:6-11). With Christmas, God provided an opportunity to reach out to man. It is Christ who serves as a MEDIATOR between man and God (1 Timothy 2:5, John 14:6).

CHRISTMAS IS ABOUT GOD’S SECURITY AND JOY. Because of Christmas we should never fear of what will happen tomorrow after this life, for God will be with us in eternity (Psalm 27:1, Romans 8:31). Unless we internalize this message, we can never have true peace. Ang tunay na kapayapaan ay nagmumula sa Diyos. Kahit anumang problema at trahedya ang dumating sa ating buhay, hangga’t nariyan ang Panginoon, hindi tayo kailanman dapat mag-alala. The peace that He gives is different from the peace that the world gives (John 14:27)--fleeting and temporal. Ang kasiyahan at saya na tinutukoy ng Bibliya ay ang kasiyahan bunga ng KAPATAWARAN na maaring ibigay ng Diyos sa sinumang gagawing Diyos at Tagapagligtas si Cristo. We can only have peace WITH God through Christ.

CHRISTMAS IS ALL ABOUT GOD'S LOVE FOR MANKIND THROUGH CHRIST- Natagpuan ng mga pastol ang sanggol na si Jesus sa isang SABSABAN, kainan ng mga hayop. This is symbolic of Christ’s mission on earth—to offfer His life as a food for humanity. He is the bread of life (John 6:51) and the living water for the thirsty (John 4:13). Even the name of Christ's birthplace--Bethlehem--means "house of bread/food". We should be reminded of the truth that the real essence of Christmas is JESUS Himself. The major question is, “Have you already received God’s gift of forgiveness and salvation through Christ?” Ask for God’s forgiveness so that you can have PEACE with your Creator. This is the only way you celebrate Christmas in its REAL ESSENCE.