24/12/2012
Every year I try to place a happy Christmas statement on my pages and there always seems to be a deep divide that somehow Christmas is wrong or "worldly." The use of passages in Jeremiah and Ezekiel come up, to try to link Christmas to ancient idolatry. We know Jesus was not born in December, as historical archeological data suggest that the census of Ceasar was more likely in the Spring of Israel, closer to our month of April. All of this technical arguing is not the answer for me. One day I realized that many have suffered deeply in their lives. They lost a child, a relationship or experienced a tragedy. Others experience deep loneliness and cannot imagine celebrating anything. This reality awakens my compassion for the hurting. Christmas is not about what is inappropriate or correct. Christmas for Christians is the opportunity to bring joy to others. That may be through a tree, an unexpected gift, a big hug or any other loving gestures of support. I have found in my ministry experience over the last 33 years that those who hate me the most or are the angriest at my preaching, tend to be people who have suffered deeply in their lives. God bless each of you who hurt this Christmas season & heal your pain & lift you up. For you I pray a prayer for a merry & blessed Christmas... - from Pastor Jose Vicente Rojas