This Christmas, know that God is with us
Christmas this year will be different from any other Christmas for sure. But Malaysians can rejoice at one bit of good news – the CMCO has been lifted in most, if not all, states!
I’m writing this article from my home in Penang, and last Friday, I spent a lonely afternoon walking along Lebuh Armenian. The street in George Town once thronged by tourists was eerily quiet and empty. I saw only one souvenir shop open.
Though some locals are happy at this tourist-free scene, one thing is for sure: incomes have been lost and businesses have suffered. Many hotels have closed down. Our country’s GDP apparently loses RM300 million a day during lockdown, so it’s understandable that the CMCO was not continued.
>>READ: Lonely Christmas? You can enjoy the season with Christ
>>READ: Jesus and His salvation always give us reason to celebrate
As our hopes are lifted and some of us get ready to celebrate Christmas (plus the new vaccine on its way), let’s not get too caught up with our new-found freedom. The reality is that many Malaysians are still suffering from the pandemic’s effects, with finance being one of the biggest issues.
How then should we live?
How then should we approach the end of 2020 and the forthcoming year? We have a few suggestions below:
- Live a simpler lifestyle so others could simply live. Many churches now have funds set aside to feed the poor and hungry. Perhaps each one of us could play a small part by donating to the efforts or getting involved in such feeding programs.
- Keep a check on our health. This includes physical, mental and spiritual. Are you eating the right kind of foods, having enough rest, reading a good book before the year ends, reading the Bible and praying? Remember that we can’t take care of others if we don’t first take care of ourselves.
- Contact someone to pray with. Despite social distancing, is there someone at church or the Christian community that you are in regular contact with? Prolonged isolation is never healthy, so look out for that someone you can fellowship with over God’s Word, listen to and pray with.
- Reflect on the birth of Christ. This Advent season is a good time to reflect on the birth of Christ, and that He is Immanuel God with us. Think also of the hope that Jesus Christ will come again as Lord and Judge of the world.
>>READ: Discovery Series: “The Real Gift of Christmas” by Dan Schaeffer
>>READ: Focus on Him: Don’t ignore the gift and play with the wrapping paper
Christmas is a time to rejoice in our Saviour’s birth, and this year should be no different. Wherever we may find ourselves, in isolation or in companionship, in hardship or contentment, know that we can enjoy this season with Christ our Lord because He is always with us. – W.P. Lim
About the Author
Wan Phing Lim is a contributor to Our Daily Bread Ministries Malaysia. Born and raised in Penang, she studied Politics before turning to a career in writing. She loves coffee, books and films.
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