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The Thought of the Week
by Georgie Márquez-André

December 27, 2004

A Christmas Thought

CHRISTMAS, n. The festival of the Christian church observed annually on the 25th day of December, in memory of the birth of Christ, and celebrated by a particular church service. The festival includes twelve days

This year, I have decided to let the world have Advent,
and to reclaim the traditional Christmas season.

Advent comes from the awareness that the world was a dark place,
with a few anxiously expecting the Light to come.

As Isaiah prophesied,
"The people who walk in darkness will see a great light;
Those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them" (Isaiah 9:2).

As Zacharias prophesied over his son, John...
"And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;
for you will go on before the Lord to preaper His ways;...
Because of the tender mercy of our God,
with which the Sunrise from on high will visit us,
to shine upon those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace." (Luke 1:76, 78-79).

As Simeon proclaimed,
"... my eyes have seen Your salvation,...
A Light of revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of Your people Israel." (Luke 2:30, 32)

And as Jesus Himself said,
"I am the Light of the world;
he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness,
but will have the Light of life." (John 8:12)

So let the people of the world take over the Advent season,
with their commercialism, and their songs to snowmen and reindeer.

But on Christmas Eve... then let us claim Christmas for the Christians.
On that night, place the Christ Child in the manger.

And for the next twelve days, let the Wise Men will draw closer.

Let us bless everyone we meet with a "Merry Christmas! He is born!"

As a mother I know that we celebrate the child after his birth, not before.
And I know that His birth is what I rejoice over.

So, reclaim Christmas.
Let the world celebrate like they did in the days of Noah...
"For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking,
marrying and giving in marriage" (Matthew 24:38).

And let us proclaim that the Light has come...
and will come again.

"Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased." (Luke 2:14)

Have a wonderful, blessed Christmas.

All definitions taken from Noah Webster's 1828 Dictionary.

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