In Mexico and Honduras you will hear “Feliz Navidad”. In India it will be “Shub Naya Baras” while in Japan you may hear “Merii Kurisumasu”. “Maligayang Pasko” is what is said in many parts of the Philippines and in French speaking countries of the world, “Joyeux Noel”.
To me, one of the great things about Christmas is that it is a world-wide celebration. Unlike our other America holidays, Christmas knows no ethnic or geographical boundaries. In North America, most of us celebrate Christmas in a very traditional western style. But let us remember, the very first Christmas was celebrated in a small town in Asia and Christianity wasn't orignially a western religion. Even though Christmas may be observed in other cultures with different traditions and even on other dates, Christmas unifies the world around an astounding event – “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.”
For followers of Jesus Christ, Christmas should be a reminder of the unity we have in Christ – “There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called — one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” (Eph. 4:4-6). The believer in Malawi is part of the same body as the believer in New Zealand. The same Spirit that guides the Christian in Indonesia into all truth is the same one that guides you and me. Our Father in heaven is over all – over the United States, over Croatia, over Africa, and even over those churches in our town that worship so differently than we do.
In light of this truth, this Christmas, let’s pray that we be reminded of our unity in Christ throughout the coming year and that we strive in the power of Jesus not just to live in peace with our Christian brothers and sisters wherever they may be, but that we support them in any way we are able.
Have a Happy Christmas!
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