Christ – the reason for Christmas

THE EDITOR, Madam:

Christmas consists of two words, ‘Christ’ and ‘Mass’. Christ is our saviour, who has come into this world in a bodily form to die for our sins, while Mass is a worship service. In earlier times, this time of the year, when many believe it was when Christ was born, was known as ‘The Festival of the Nativity’. Christ, then, is the reason for the season.

The question, though, is: how many of us keep the reason for the season in mind as we celebrate? How many of us have considered what we can do this season to let Christ be truly celebrated? The question was asked in the Book of Micah: “What shall I bring to the Lord, the God of Heaven, when I come to worship Him? Shall I bring the best calves to burn as offerings to Him? Will the Lord be pleased if I bring Him thousands of sheep or endless streams of olive oil? Shall I offer Him my first-born child to pay for my sins? No, the Lord has told us what is good. What He requires of us is this: to do what is just, to show constant love, and to live in humble fellowship with our God.” (Micah 6:6-8)

What is God requiring of us this season? As we all introspect, let us examine our lives and answer this question. With a willing heart, let us be obedient to God to make the change. It might be that some things you need to do, but you keep putting it off. It might be having a more Christ-like perspective, which will shape the way we think and behave. Doing what God wants us to do is the only way to celebrate Christ’s birth. True happiness comes from doing the right thing. It gives you inner peace, and you can be sure of God’s blessings. Enjoy this season of good cheer because Christ is the reason for the season.

To God be the glory and to His Son, Jesus Christ, and to the Holy Spirit. Amen.

SONIA FAY BUCKLAND