A Christmassy Christmas

We are still dealing with jetlag, some better than others, four days after arriving back in Singapore. It is not only the disruption in our sleeping pattern and getting really hungry at 2am, but also the over stimulation by the new sights, sounds and experiences. It feels like our bodies are still disconnected with our surroundings. The two younger kids have been pretending to run a hotel offering a full breakfast buffet. The problem is that the plastic looking breakfast spread has taken over the entire living room with very little room to sit - food safety doesn't exist in this world of make believe. They needed to get it out of their systems.

I am still getting to grips with the idea that tomorrow is Christmas. Not that there is much to do to prepare our home for Christmas.  Our Christmas tree is a 12-inch miniature that sits on the dining table. We bought gifts when we were in Italy so that's settled. We are going over to my sister-in-law's place for the Christmas lunch after church tomorrow. And I've already made reservations for the Christmas eve dinner in a steamboat restaurant tonight, partly because we need to catch-up on local food. So the logistics of Christmas has been sorted out.

It is ironic, Italy was very christmassy - the lights, gigantic Christmas tree in the centre of the cities we visited, panettone, Christmas markets, the smell of mulled wine. Renaissance masterpieces that depict Mary's encounter with the angel foretelling the birth of the Messiah and the nativity scene. Back in Singapore, everything tells you it is Christmas too. There is no denying that when even Burger King's seasonal special is called "Melty Cheesemas".

I am every thankful that there is far more to Christmas than BK's cheese specials. The reason for the season is just as comforting as it was when Jesus was born as it is in today's chaotic and troubled world. There is so much indifference, confusion and violence that can lead us to believe that God did not and does not have a plan for humanity. And so, it is important for me to reread the biblical accounts of the first Christmas found in the gospels of Matthew and Luke to prepare by heart for tomorrow.

Peace on earth and goodwill to men.
A blessed Christmas to everyone.