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So what’s all the big fuss about?

X CLOSE

As you walk around the shops and streets of Singapore you know we are in Celebration mode!  The malls and shopping centres are ablaze with colour. Red, green & cold tinsel is everywhere. These colours stand out against the fake snow and ice that has popped up all over the place.

And the Christmas Carols are being played on the radio and through the sound systems of many stores. We are being told very loud and clear - It’s Celebration time!

I find it hard not to get cynical about all the advertising we get thrown at us this time of year. A couple of times a day we are hit with glossy brochures encouraging us to Celebrate.

We celebrate you see, as we fork out lots of money and buy, buy, buy!  And don’t forget to put your order in with you know who and you can enjoy a little Christmas magic!

From what I read in the newspapers, the sales brochures and hear on the radio I can't help thinking… For many people they have to work really hard, so they can Celebrate! You know there's all the festive food to buy & you better order early. Then there's the lists of presents you need to complete for yourself and others.

But I’ve yet to see a nativity scene on public display anywhere. Such a display would remind everyone of the best present of all. The gift of a little baby, who is Christ the Lord. Now thinking about that, helps focus our attention as we approach Christmas. We celebrate Christ's coming as a baby born in Bethlehem.  But Jesus Christ was born 2000 years ago. So how come the celebration is still happening?

I think this is a really important question. For it seems to me our society hasn't got the faintest idea why we really Celebrate this time of year. Perhaps one of the reasons is we as Christians aren't clear ourselves. And therefore we haven't shared this with others.

I'm always interested to see the Bible verses printed on Christmas cards. I believe John 3:16 would be fantastic..."God loved the people of this world so much, that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die".  

So why do we celebrate this time of year?

Because of God's love! Haven't you heard? God sent his own Son into the world. For you see, despite our sin, God doesn't want to condemn us. He wants to saves us. Indeed that's what Jesus' name means. It means "God saves!" And Jesus doesn't just save us and help us at Christmas time. So we can be nice to each other for a while, and give cards and gifts. No Jesus saves us forever. By faith in him we have eternal Life. We will never really die.

Oh, that you & I might share this message with those we know this Christmas time!  

Yours in Christ,

 Mark Dickens