The Birhday Boy Is missing

People are preparing for a grand Christmas celebration. Though buying of gifts, organizing parties and dinners, the time and energy spent, and the expense involved, wear them out, they some how look forward to the excitement that is awaiting them. The thought of feasting and dancing with friends spur them up despite the difficulties they face today.

I am reminded of a story I heard: It was a fabulous birthday party. It was well organized . Any one could see that much money and time had been devoted to make it so grand. The choice invitees were from the rich and famous class. Compliments were being given lavishly to the hostess. Greetings and laughter thrilled the every one.

Suddenly one of the guests asked, 'Where is the birthday boy? I saw him as a baby. I can't believe he is one year old today.'
'Oh we left him with the baby sitter. Can we have a good time if he is here?'
'Quite true.' Her friend agreed. " You did a wise thing." Both of them emptied their wine glasses and went to get a stronger drink, little realizing that the baby's birthday was the reason for that grand party!.

Our Christmas celebrations should not be like this party. Let us have Jesus in the midst of our celebrations. It will prevent us from including things that He does not approve of in our parties.

It is a good opportunity to introduce Jesus Christ to our friends.

Let us remember to include Jesus, who is the reason for the season in all that we do during these festive days this year.

Celebration Is Good

" Mordecai recorded these events and sent letters to all the Jews, -----near and far to have them celebrate the 14th and 15th days of the month of Adar, the time when the Jews got their relief from their enemies, when their sorrows were turned into joy and their moaning into a day of celebration. He wrote them to observe the days of feasting and joy and giving presents of food to one another and gifts to the poor.' [Esther9:20-22]

Thus the celebration of Purim stared among the Jews. Any one who has read the book of Esther will know how Haman plotted to exterminate the Jews and how through the courageous intervention of Esther, they were saved and the enemy was destroyed. It is a fascinating story.

The deliverance was so wonderful that the Jews had a great celebration. Mordecai, [Esther's uncle who was encouraging Esther] wanted the people to celebrate this event annually. Even today it is being celebrated. Mordecai put down the reason for the celebration, so that the people will celebrate it meaningfully. He knew that people tend to have short memories when it comes to God's faithfulness! Then the celebrations become hollow and meaningless and the blessing is lost.

The Christmas celebration has so much in common to Purim . Today the whole world is celebrating Christmas, to remember the birth of our savior Jesus Christ.[ Although the date 25th of December is not exact, it is a historical fact the Jesus was born during that time] Some do not even know the reason for the celebrations. Christ is sometimes not even in the scene. The Santa, the rain deer, the Christmas tree, gifts, food, cakes, lights and decorations are given much prominence that the spiritual significance is completely lost.

Yet the fact remains that, it is the birth of Jesus Christ, who is able to set us free from sin and it's consequences, free us from all burdens and give us eternal life and joy.
The story is recorded in the gospels by Christ's disciples. It is good for us to read it to refresh our memories of this wonderful birth of our Lord and savior. If we celebrate this Christmas meaningfully, then Christ will be born in our hearts, so that the joy of Christmas will continue through out our life even to eternity.

Like Mordecai, let us remind every one the reason for our celebration!