Deeper Reflection
The Christmas season can be a very hectic time for many Christians in Singapore. We are busy attending celebration parties and exchanging gifts with loved ones and friends, or even travelling during the holidays. But if we are not careful, we will find ourselves leaving the Gospel of Jesus Christ on the shelf at home – an unshared gift. Shops, restaurants and local attractions may be busy and crowded, with carols in the background adding to the festive mood everywhere. But if we are not careful, we will find that, due to overcrowding, there is no room in our hearts for Jesus.It was very different that first Christmas. The angelic announcement of the birth of the infant Jesus brought the shepherds hastily to Bethlehem. Upon arrival, they saw the baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger, just as they were told by the angel (Lk 2:7, 12). What a confirmation! It was true! The angel had told the shepherds that the birth of Christ was “good news of great joy for all the people” (Lk 2:10); this baby was “a Saviour…Christ the Lord” (Lk 2:11). Filled with confidence, the shepherds then made known these things to others (v.17). The Good News was shared! When we consider Mary, we see that she “treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart” (v.19). The wonder of the Christ child – all that He is and what He came to do – found a home in her heart. May we be like the shepherds and Mary in our response to the coming of Jesus into our world and our hearts!