Christmas so different

Shepherds were despised in society because they were dirty. They bring their sheep and goats home, and sleep beside them. Possibly, shepherds take many days before taking a bath because of the weather and the circumstance of their occupation.

A businessman asked a shepherd, “How could you possibly sleep with a goat?” And the shepherd answered, “No problem. Eventually the goat will get used to me.”

But the shepherds were the first people to see the Infant Jesus.

Jesus was born in a borrowed manger. Jesus died and was buried in a borrowed grave. God has humbled Himself, yet man remains proud.

How much is Christmas spending this year compared to last? That’s pride.

What did he get you for Christmas this year? That’s pride.

My Christmas wish this year is to have a brand new car. That’s pride.

We are all guilty of this, and I confess that I am the chief sinner of all.

Aside from the shepherds, wise men from the East, traditionally called kings of the East, were also among those who first saw Jesus. They traveled for thousands of miles just to pay tribute to Christ the King.

By today’s standards, you and I who are in business are far wealthier than them. We got our Beamers, Benzes and Volvos. They just rode donkeys. But would we, like them, travel thousands of miles to pay tribute to the King? Would we even wake up a little early on Sunday morning, travel a few kilometers to church to pay tribute to Him? Not many of today’s kings would do so. But they will wake up real early to play golf.

Jesus Christ came down to earth, took on human form, and lived just like us so He can die sinless for your sins and mine. How is that for a Christmas gift?

My favorite Christmas song, not only for the Christmas season but for any time of the year, is Michael Buble’s version of “My Grownup Christmas List.” I listen to it all the time. And as I greet you a Blessed Christmas, allow me to share with you a Christmas list I discovered to be very effective in reminding me about the true meaning of the season’s celebration:

Are you willing?

To stoop down and consider the needs and desires of little children?

To remember the weakness and loneliness of people who are growing old?

To stop asking how much your friends love you, and to ask yourself whether you love them enough?

To bear in mind the things that other people have to bear in their hearts?

To make a grave for your ugly thoughts and a garden for your kindly feelings, with the gate open?

Are you willing to do these things for a day? If you are, then you are ready to keep Christmas!

(Attend “Winning Disciplines for Success” on Feb. 24, 2012 at the SMX Convention Center, and learn best practices on business, creative, physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual disciplines from the industry’s best: Butch Jimenez, Dyan Castillejo, Jeric Soriano, Paul Soriano and Francis Kong. For further inquiries, contact Inspire Leadership Consultancy Inc. at 632-6872614 or 09178511115.)