Christmas before doomsday

Rd. Alexander

Christmas season is here once again and the air is filled with joy, peace, love and happiness. Somewhere in the silence of the night, one can hear the chimes and jingles of bells, the melody of sweet Christmas songs and carols, and the laughter of children. Indeed, Christmas is a time for family, friends, near and dear ones and celebrations. However, with rumours and speculations that the world would end on December 21, 2012, could this Christmas be your last? Yes, the world is headed into the famous year and perhaps, one question that is running through everyone’s mind is, “Will the world really end in 2012?”, and that too, just days before Christmas? There is no denying that the world is filled with rumours that something ‘unnatural’ is going to happen which would bring about a drastic and major change to our planet, even bring an end to our very existence. So, does that mean this is your last Christmas before the doomsday? If so, here are a few points on how to celebrate Christmas of a lifetime. Celebrate God’s Love: Besides the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christmas, the feast is a celebration life, love, peace, joy and happiness. But most of all it a celebration of God’s love for mankind for the Bible says, “"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life”, John 3:16. Therefore, celebrate and revere God’s love this Christmas. Spread love. Make time for Family and Friends: No doubt, Christmas is always family time and best celebrated with them. But this Christmas of 2011, make it all the more special - who knows, this could be your last family Christmas celebration. So make time for your family, relatives, near and dear ones, gather them all and celebrate in a special way that will have an everlasting impact. Share love, peace, joy and happiness with one another; these are the blessings brought by the birth of Jesus. Make your family feel the gifts of the season. Be the Santa: Gifts and Santa Claus are essential parts of Christmas. No Christmas is celebrated without a little bit of the Old Man in white beard with gifts. So, this Christmas of 2011, get your near and dear ones the best gifts you can afford and fill it with your love. It may not be necessarily expensive like the gold, frankincense, and myrrh that were gifted to Jesus by the three wise men from the east. Perhaps, your presence and love could just be the perfect gift. ‘Live’ this Christmas: One thing is sure; this might be your last Christmas. So, celebrate it as if you were born for this and have been waiting your whole life, and all you get is a day’s celebration. Celebrate as if there is no tomorrow. Live it. And in the process, make everyone around you have a lifetime celebration making them realize the value and true meaning of Christmas that Jesus Christ was born to save you and me. Plan for Christmas 2012 Lastly, plan for next Christmas. Yes, Christmas 2012, after all, the world may not end. The Bible says, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”, Jeremiah 29:11. Apart from the Lord, who has seen tomorrow to say it does not exist? Remember, God so loved the world he gave his only son to save it. It is unlikely He will destroy things that he loves so much. So, plan for Christmas 2012. Merry Christmas!!