2011 Christmas - Ko e Famili

One of the interesting things that I have encountered over the years in this great country (America) is the celebration of Christmas; why? It is the spirit of Christmas manifested in the various way we celebrate it. As a young child back in Tonga, I was taught the meaning of Christmas—yes, it is the giving of gifts that I remember the most; however, the religious part of Christmas was inescapable. No matter where I am in the island—church is a must, Christian church, that is. The climax of every Sunday school programs is uncovered during Christmas Eve. If I was a good Sunday school’s kid—I would be rewarded with candies and, maybe, an envelop contained one pa’anga; if I was not a good kid—don’t expect an envelop.

Nevertheless, this whole experience is always centered on the baby Jesus. Much of the same spirit is still alive here in the United States; although, the commercial aspect of the season seems to have driven everything surrounding Christmas, however, it is still the Baby Jesus—yep, He is the Reason for the celebration. Whether I live in Tonga or America—Jesus is still the reason. This past Christmas was very special because we were brought together as a family by baby Jesus. Many of my nieces and nephews have grown and some has family of their own, but 2011 Christmas, we managed to gather in Abilene and I witnessed the true manifestation of the Christmas Spirit.

In America and around the world, in some ways or fashion, Christmas was celebrated. Various cultures and customs expressed their celebrations in various ways—but Jesus is still the reason. True, there are other traditions and holidays but Christmas rank up there at the top. Why? The coming of Jesus to this world changes millions of people from all walks of life. During a short three years ministry on this earth, he performed many miracles and said many things that have changed many peoples and have changed the whole world.

Here are few miracles that have directly impacted my life:

1.Jesus made the blind see – thank you, I can now see.
2.Jesus made the lame walk—than you, I now can walk.
3.Jesus made the leper clean—thank you, I am now clean.
4.Jesus turned water into wine—thank you, I am no longer thirst.
5.Jesus fasted for 40 days and nights—thank you, I can no longer live on bread alone.
6.Jesus calmed the rough sea—thank you, I now have smooth sailing.
8.Jesus fed thousands from two bread and five fish—thank you, I shall hunger no more.
9.Jesus resurrected the dead—thank you, you have given me hope for everlasting life.

Here are few of His sayings that have directly impacted my life:

1.“Love your neighbors as yourself” – thank you for teaching me how to love
2.“It is better to give than to receive” - what a blessing
3.“Judge not that ye be not Judged”—I’ve learned to know myself
4.“Ye shall know them by their fruits”—I’ve learned to look within.
5.“Love your enemies”—love everyone, see the Jesus in everyone.
6. “Do unto others as you would have them do to you”—I put myself in other’s shoes.

Again, during 2011 Christmas, my reflection was on the Son of God's greatest gift—His life was given because of me! In Tonga, America, and around the world today, and of course, my family—the greatest gift from us is to empty ourselves and let the miracles and the life of the Baby Jesus live among our lives—let the spirit of Christmas live in all of us for 2012 and toward eternity.

'ofa atu,
- Finau Tangata'olakepa Siale