Christmas is not on December

i am a Christian.
i am a believer of Christmas.
i am a follower of Christ.
but i dont believe that He is born on December.

its my 2nd Christmas in the Middle East - where Bethlehem is... our distance is just about 1200 miles from there, with 2 hours difference. and at this time of the year, with the story from the Bible, it really seems impossible that Mary & Joseph were walking on the desert... as well as Jesus was placed in the manger at this season. it is very cold... and how can shepherds stay there with this type of weather?

not that i dont believe in the story... it is about the date. maybe (as pastor Gerry discussed), it is between April to October... but definitely not December.

i also believe that it is our way of commemorating the birth of our Savior... the most important and the true meaning of Christmas. that He is born, to save us.

its a good thing that there is a certain date for the celebration...
a time of sharing... giving... loving... forgiving...
but this season, being the most expensive vacation, seems celebrated extravagantly that tends to over shadow the true meaning and spirit.

people were so stressed.
at this time of crisis, everybody is on tight budget... yet people still pressured themselves to buy some gifts for everyone. it is sweet thought. i have nothing againsts it.
but hearing some complains while i'm in queue for cashier, is just so irritating. if you dont have much this time... dont bother. a simple note or a 1 minute call will do.
giving does not necessarily means gift.
we all have so much to give to our loved ones, not just material things...

Christmas is believing that Jesus is born to save us. He love us so much that He paid for our sins through crucifixion. and the promise that He will come again to bring us to His kingdom.

this is Christmas.
and its not only on December that we will commemorate this.

every new morning, is a gift from Him.
everyday...
not just on December.

and i think it is best to return the favor by doing the same thing.

everday is Christmas.
not in exaggerated way but in remembering that He comes to save us.
and that we should always be thankful for that.

dont rush today. do not spend beyond your means.
you have 365 days a year to give... to love... to remember... to share... to forgive.