Christmas has already become one of holidays even in Korea. Non-believers as well as believers celebrate this day. Churches are clamorous and merchants are busy on this day. Some people are joyful because they know it’s meaning, but many more people exchange greeting cards without knowing it. All in the capital city praise this day and all companies and nations rejoice for this day.

But, why do we celebrate this day? Is it because Santa Clause gives us a gift? Or, is it because we can enjoy peace? As heavenly host said, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests.” (Luke 2:14) Let us try to find the reason from Maria. (Luke 1:51-55): “He has performed mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones, but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things, but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to out fathers.” Maria praised God, not just because He was simply the God of peace and merciful God; indeed, He is a God who has scattered those who are proud, brought down rulers, lifted up the humble, sent the rich away empty, and filled the hungry with good things. The birth of Jesus Christ signifies that God began to carry out His plan to make His previous works on earth to its perfection. Owing to the birth of Jesus Christ, human beings can hear what they have not heard before and see what they have not seen in the past. The standard of happiness for which people have been thirst, has been overturned; the poor, the hungry, and the sorrowful become happy ones (Matthew 5:3-6) while ones who are well fed and ones who laugh now are cursed. (Luke 6:25); when I am weak, then I am strong, and when I am strong, then I am weak. (2Corinthians 12:10); a clever man became a fool, and an idiot became a wise man. (1Corinthians 10:19-33); Solomon in his entire splendor was not as pretty as the lilies of the field. (Matthew 6:28-30); the tax collector, rather than a Pharisee, was justified before God. (Luke 18:9-14); whoever wants to be a master must be a servant. (Matthew 20:26-27); the man who hates his life will keep it for eternal life. (John 12:25)

Who can dare to withstand against the change and inversion of measuring standards since the Advent of Jesus Christ. Ones who celebrate Christmas should reflect on the meaning of it deeply.


(Message: The inversed standards gave me great comfort and encouragement to a sick and poor boy who lost father and was raised by a single mother together with six other siblings, especially through difficult era of the Korean War.)