Young Voices: Five ways to put Christ in Christmas

Christmas evolved from the Middle English Christemass, which means Christ's mass.1 As 'mass' refers to a church service, it should come quite naturally to most that the primary reason for Christmas would be Christ's birth. However, Christmas today is a far cry from our Saviour's humble beginnings in a manger. The dazzling lights, abundance of shopping promotions and Santa Claus commercialise this occasion—leaving many, myself included, thinking about how we can place the emphasis on Jesus, the reason for the season. Let me share five ways we can do so.

1. Serve others this Christmas

Matthew 25:40 reads: "And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'" Why not start this Christmas by helping your local church in their outreach efforts to bless others? You can play a part to spread Christmas cheer.

2. Go for a round of carolling

One unique aspect of our Methodist heritage is a rich musical tradition undergirding our theology. John Wesley instructed Methodists to "Sing lustily2 and with a good courage… lift up your voice with strength."3 The word 'carol' actually means a song of praise and joy!4 So let us sing lustily, and spread the joyful news that the Lord has come. 3. Write a Christmas letter

Hebrews 10:24-25 instructs us to "consider how to stir up one another to love and good works". Penning Christmas letters has been a longstanding tradition in my family, where we reflect on the year that has passed and tell our loved ones how he/she has done well. Bible verses in the letters have reminded me that one's source of strength and hope lies in Christ alone. Just the act of penning a letter forces us to think more deliberately about what we want to say. Perhaps there is someone God is leading you to re-connect with.

4. Share the true meaning of Christmas

There are many whose notion of Christmas is what they see at department stores, filled with images of Santa Claus. Let's take some time to remind ourselves of the Christmas story, and marvel at how the Lord descended to Earth "for me, who Him to death pursued".

5. Exercise self-control at the dining table

I know this is particularly difficult for a nation of food-lovers to accept, because I enjoy food tremendously too—in particular Peranakan food—and the social calendar is filled with long-awaited catch-ups. But I have learnt that over-eating can dull one's capacity to seek and experience the Lord. This year I intend to take care of the temple God gave me, my body, and focus on meaningful conversation and gift-giving this Christmas!

1 Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Christmas definition & meaning. Merriam-Webster. Retrieved November 2, 2022, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Christmas 2 This adjective describes how one does something in a way that is healthy, energetic, and full of strength and power. Courtesy of the Cambridge Dictionary (https:// dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/lustily). 3 United Methodist Pub. House. (1989). Directions for Singing. In The United Methodist Hymnal (pp. vii-vii). 4 JPC-DESIGN, whychristmas?com /. "The History of Christmas Carols on Whychristmas?com." Why Christmas. Accessed November 7, 2022. https://www. whychristmas.com/customs/carols-history. 5 And Can It Be That I Should Gain, Words by Charles Wesley. (UMH 363).