Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas everyone

Christmas is the best time of the year. There is joy, there is homecoming, there is sharing, there are cakes and appam and stew, there are lots of crackers. The year ends with a bang. Rejuvinated and renewed we go into the new year.

I was often biased of the symbols of Christmas. I always thought they are remnants of customs and praxis. They are actually ghosts of what our forefathers meant with good intention, lost the purpose, yet stay as ornaments.

I thought it was worthwhile to revisit what the symbols exactly mean.

1. Star - Star signifies the bright new star that appeared on the sky during Jesus birth. The wise men were led to Jesus by the star.

Thus the symbol star signifies, the pointer to Jesus, the real morning star.

2. Candles - when there was no electricity, candles were used to light up the whole place. Now they have slowly given way to multicoloured LED lights and illuminations. Candles and decorative lights signify that Jesus is the light of the world. The light of the world came down on to the earth to save us. He Himself claimed that He is the light the world needed.

3. Tree - It's not just a tree, it's actually evergreen tree. Its a fir tree that stays green althroughout the year. An evergreen tree reminds us of the eternal life and everlasting hope that we have in Christ Jesus.

4. Gifts - Gifts are always source of joy because it's a time of sharing. The best gift we have is Christ redeeming us from our sins. There was no hope for us. Salvation is the best thing that happened in our lives.

5. Holly - Holly plant signifies immortality. And it also reminds us of the thorn filled crown that was placed on Christ's head. And the red berries reminds us of the drops of blood that was shed for us.

6. Wreath - signifies the unending love Christ has for us. Not expecting anything from us. But unconditional agape love.

There are many more symbols which has its own meaning and significance. Like the candy canes, stockings, bells, Santa and so on. 

But the best symbol we often forget is the cross. All the others point to this.

My friend Cherry says - The best gift is not found under a Christmas tree but on the wooden cross on Calvary.

There is no meaning of Christmas without the cross. 

Unless the blood that was shed on the cross doesn't mean everything to you, Christmas in all its galore is useless. 

Wishing you once again a meaningful Christmas