As we move towards Christmas and we are being bombarded with adverts promoting the occasion from every possible angle imaginable, I have noticed there is something missing. I started to engage in conversations with people about Christmas and discovered something interesting. Because I wasn’t the only one who have noticed that the Christmas we celebrated in the past and the one we celebrate  at present, are two different things. The nostalgia we get from hearing the story of the birth of Jesus and watching nativity plays re-enacting the events with Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus and the three wise Men, helped us remember the purpose of Christmas.

Fast forward into our current world and anything that triggers people’s memory to remember Christ is gradually being replaced. To the point where people have become desensitised to Christmas and what it actually means. Which is not surprising considering we live in an era where anything that involves the name of Jesus is instantly given the cold shoulder. Educational establishments, including countries founded on Christianity, now try to dissociate themselves from anything linking them to Christ. Is it any wonder that it no longer feels like Christmas because we’ve left the most important part of Christmas out of the equation?

Could what we sense, when we say, Christmas-doesn’t-feel-like-Christmas, be a sense of loss? In the sense that, Christ is no longer celebrated, instead it’s become a secular event. This made me ask a thought provoking question. It also led me to conduct a mini research, which I sent out to people just to get their feedback on the matter. The result was interesting because it confirmed what I was thinking.

I asked this question, ‘How would you feel, if your birthday was celebrated without you?’ Nearly all the responses I got said they wouldn’t mind to have their birthday celebrated in their absence, so long as it’s celebrated out of love, care and respect. So, I thought, if we celebrate people’s birthdays because we value them, why is it that we fail to acknowledge Christ on his birthday and choose to isolate him from his  own event? I am  yet to see a human being that would allow anyone to isolate them from their own event, let alone their own birthday celebration.  But we do this to Jesus yearly and we can’t even acknowledge we’re wrong.  As we celebrate this Christmas, let us take a pause to reflect on what it truly means to celebrate the birth of Christ and be thankful for the things he’s done.

A Brief History of the Evergreen Christmas Wreath:
Evergreen is a plant that has green leaves throughout the year. The early Christians adopted it for christianity when they the changed the Roman Winter Solstice of the rebirth of the sun (which was on December 21st), to celebrating the birth of the Son of Righteousness. (i.e Jesus Christ).

Which means, instead of celebrating a pagan event, they decided to give it a new meaning by celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Now, the circular shape of the wreath represents eternity, because it has no beginning or end.  So for Christians, it means an unending circle of life and represents eternal life. It also represents the never ending unity and fellowship we have in God through his son Jesus Christ.
(Information obtained the word for today and other sources)

Even in the misdst of incessant rain, there are always lessons to learn or opportunities for growth. No one likes to experience hardships hence the phrase, 'when it rains, it pours'. But it is by facing these hardships that the skills needed to overcome it is developed. That is, what the video below is about. Hope it helps encourage you to keep going and not give up.

There are times when the demands of life overwhelms us and leaves us devoid of strength. Therefore, we need to find words in the Bible to elevate and encourage us to keep going. Romans Chapter 12 verse 12 is a great encourager for such times. It reminds us of three important things: Firstly, that we belong to God and must look to him to gives us hope. Secondly, whatever tribulations we face, we must excercise patience because with time the tribulations will pass. That's why the Bible says, 'weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.' (See Psalm 30 vs 5). Thirdly, inspite of our trials, we must keep on praying, because prayer is what will help us overcome it.

Remember, when life gets tough as it sometimes is, pick up your Bible and look for words to strengthen you. And if you don't know where to start, go to the back of your Bible in the concordance section. There you will find Biblical words listed in alphabetical order to help steer you in the right direction.