Happy Christmas?!

The 25th of December is Christmas. This is the day that millions of people say "Happy Christmas" to each other face to face or on the phone. What do we mean when we use these words? Is it appropriate to fill the already bulging coffers of the mobile phone companies by sending dozens of these text messages without having a clue as to the true meaning of them?

• "Happy Christmas" - simply in order that others should be happy for just one day of the year? No, that is not good enough. Not if you know the Child of Christmas personally. Then you would not want to wish anyone temporary happiness.
• "Happy Christmas" - simply in order to behave correctly by sending all those around you very nice messages? No, that is also not good enough. Friendships that are dependent on such messages are not true friendships.
• "Happy Christmas" - there is just one reason why a Christian can and should say this – because it is the celebration of Jesus' birthday. This is the day when we sing and rejoice about the coming of the true Light that banished all darkness.

On the day of Jesus' birth, the angels' song spoke of God's abundant joy at the birth of his Saviour Child. On this day the balance of power was forever shifted in favour of heaven. So that when I say "Happy Christmas" to someone this year, I mean it sincerely, knowing that it is a special day of victory. It is Jesus' day of victory! When I say "Happy Christmas" I am praying for every listener and reader; I pray that they will celebrate Jesus together with us. And that Christmas will overflow to the 26th of December, 27th of December ... Yes, that a blessed life before God awaits each one within striking distance of these words.