Jesus is the Reason for the Season… and Beyond

Sunday 24 December 2006
Written by Evelyn Tang, photography by Henry Wong & video by Angelo Png

Increasingly, the phrase "Jesus is the Reason for the Season" is commonly used during the Christmas season. And rightfully so.

Christmas is a time for Christians to commemorate the birth of Jesus, which signifies Hope, Love and Forgiveness.

Fr Adrian Yeo at midnight mass said: "The birth of Jesus must be taken in relation to His death and resurrection."

He reiterated the meaning of the Divine Christ being born into the world as man, that the practice of gift-giving and gatherings of people in celebration are expressions of the spirit of the season.

He reminded that God, "Out of love, humbled himself to us by giving Jesus." When we give gifts to others – loved ones, family, friends, colleagues, etc., this action is a sign of God’s love. And, "the ultimate gift from God is Salvation," said Fr Yeo.

Through Jesus, there is hope for forgiveness and reconciliation with God. Thus, the Penitential Rite is especially significant as it means repentance and asking God for forgiveness.

These tenets were illustrated in "It’s Time for Christmas, Sayang". Presented by the Risen Christ Shalom Choir before mass at midnight, the skit explained the meaning of Christmas through song and dance in Peranakan fashion.

A slightly different approach was presented by The Cantate Domino Choir earlier the same night. "I had wanted to the choir to present an Advent Christmas Journey in song, and hence chose the songs to reflect Advent – from the time before the birth of Jesus, to the Annunciation, and to the time after the birth of Christ," said Bernard, the choir master.

The congregation was treated to not-commonly-heard-of Christmas songs such as the traditional Ukrainian Carol, Carol of the Bells (by Peter J Wilhousky and M Leontovich), and the French carol, He is Born the Divine Christ Child (arranged by Lloyd Larson).

However the story of Jesus' birth is told, the compelling cause for celebration is that "with His birth, there’s salvation". We should carry this message of hope with us long after the celebrations and feasting have ended. For Jesus is the "Reason for the Season" and beyond.