It’s All About Jesus

Merry Christmas everyone!

It is my favorite season of the year. I think it has something to do with the cool December breeze, smell of cinnamon wafting through the air, the red and green decorations, and cosy family gatherings.
This year, there was one thing I didn’t really do for Christmas – sing Christmas carols. It may seem like a little thing, but it does have a significant impact on making Christmas feel like Christmas. Afterall, we only sing carols once a year, right?

Yet, without carols this year and a feeling like something is missing this Christmas, I started pondering on my journey with Christmas. The cliche that Christmas is more than gifts and celebrations start making more sense, than just being another string of words.

Cliche as it might be, Christmas really is all about Jesus – the giver of hope in an impossible situation, the faithfulness of God when we give up, the crown of righteousness when we choose to go our own way and grace when we deserve nothing short of death.

Sometimes all the celebration, carols and the happy routine of Christmas satisfy my own notion of what Christmas should be.

But a little unexpected break in my routine reminds me the solemn truth of Christmas in a child who was born to die, so that we might live, just because of our Heavenly Father who loves us so.

So blessed Christmas everyone, and may it be a season of renewal as we refocus our lives of Jesus – author and perfector of our faith.

Worth the Break

When you graduate from University, you would most probably feel overwhelmed with choices that this newfound freedom brings. And while you are deciding between whether to take a break or to work first? I would challenge you to take the break.

But won’t you rot away on the couch for the next few months?
No you won’t if you have curiosity, courage and connection.

1. Curiosity
They say it killed the cat. But never tried, never failed, never know, right? We shouldn’t be afraid of what kills, we should fear not having lived. So be curious – don’t just step into the world to know yourself, but step into it and embrace the diversity of thought, ideas, systems, structures. With passion you venture, with humility you ask, with wonder you inspire.

So I have learned to dare to wander with the question, “Where does this lead to?”

2. Courage
So maybe if you got that job, you might have a faster route to promotion? Or built up more portfolio? Or have job security?

Yes, it takes courage to take a break in this busy busy world. While everyone is rushing to their machines, you dare to just let your heart roam, wait on people, and breath in pace with rustle of the leaves rather than rush deadlines.

So I have learned to take courage in the little things like daring to spend time to chase meaning.

4. Connection
Some make, some break and some are just left hanging. Maybe if you tried volunteering, you might meet someone who would give you a direction. Maybe if you tried a part-time job in something that would not earn you as much, you might meet someone who would give you a taste of success. Maybe if you would just send an email to an old friend, you might find someone to share your dreams with.

Just venture to make that connection, between people, places, ideas and meanings – because I have found that a connection brings you to new places, new excitement, new wonder, and new thought.

Sometimes, the break is worth it. You won’t rot, I guarantee, so long as you choose to be curious, take courage and make the connection.