Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. (John 8:12 KJV)
Read John 8:12-20. Click here.
Nang dalhin ng mga Amerikano ang Christmas tree sa ating kultura sa panimula ng 20th century, madaling nahiyang ang mga Pilipino dito dahil sa angkin nyang kagandahan at endless na paraan kung paano ito papalamutian. Nagsilbi itong napakatayog na simbolo sa tahanan para sa kapaskuhan. Sa ilalim ng Christmas tree natin nilalagay ang ating mga regalo at Belen; nagsasabit tayo ng kung anu-anong mga pwedeng isabit sa Tree at, sa ibang mga pamilya, umaawit sila ng carols around the tree where they would also give each others’ gifts.
The visual experience ng Christmas tree comes from its colorful, shining, and well-lighted features. Ang goal is to be visually stimulating. Eto rin ang nagbigay kay Martin Luther ng aliw kaya siya naglagay ng Christmas tree sa kaniyang tahanan nung 16th century. Ito ay papapatuloy ng napakahabang tradisyon ng mga Germans concerning the lighted and colorful tree hanggang sa ipagbawal ang pagpuputol ng puno for this purpose nung 17th century. Nanumbalik ang practice ng Christmas tree nung mid-19th century sa England at America. From then on the American empire expanded reaching its domain sa Philippines kaya tayo mayroon ngayong mga Christmas tree sa ating Christmas festivities.
How can we point this tradition to Christ to our family and friends? Historically for the Germans and its later history sa England at America the tree symbolized many things but one of its main features is the meaning of the green tree itself and its colorful lights. The Germans pitched this tree right after the winter season so it is anticipating life after a long period of biting cold — that eventually new plants would bud and blossom.
Germans would also put candles on the branches of these trees outdoors along the road to serve as light to passers by at night. The Tree symbolized both life and light.
These two ideas of light and life are combined in a description of Jesus Christ in John 8. The light is used of Jesus as well as life to refer to the transition from darkness and death to light and life. He said in John 8:12, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
A person who has not seen the Light of Jesus is a person who is blinded by the darkness of this world. Jesus is the Light of the World. Whoever does not believe the Gospel is a person who has never received the life-giving power of Jesus Christ.
May a simple family discussion or reflection on your Christmas tree yield truths found in John 8:12.
MGA KATANUNGAN PARA SA JOHN 8:12-20
- Sa pakikipag tunggali ng mga Pariseyo kay Hesus, ano ang kabuuan na mensahe ni Hesus ang kanilang tinutuligsa? Sa madaling salita, ano ang mensahe ni Hesus?
- Ano ang mensahe ng mga Pariseyo?
- Ano ang significance ng mensahe ni Kristo na siya ay pinapatotohanan ng testimonya ng Ama?
- Ano ang significance ng mensahe ni Kristo na Siya ay galing sa Ama?
- Ngayong kapaskuhan, ano ang mensaheng hatid ng mga katotohanang ito sa iyong buhay?
HATID NI KRISTO AY TANGLAW SA LANDAS NG BUHAY
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Related:
Preface to 9-Day Devotional
Day One - "Maaga Kami Kinabukasan: Simbang Gabi"
Day Two - "Puto Bumbong"
Day Three - "Christmas Tree and Lights"
Day Four - "Parol"
Day Five - "Carol"
Day Six - "Regalo at Aguinaldo"
Day Seven - "Santa Claus"
Day Eight - "Belen"
Day Nine - "Noche Buena"
Day One - "Maaga Kami Kinabukasan: Simbang Gabi"
Day Two - "Puto Bumbong"
Day Three - "Christmas Tree and Lights"
Day Four - "Parol"
Day Five - "Carol"
Day Six - "Regalo at Aguinaldo"
Day Seven - "Santa Claus"
Day Eight - "Belen"
Day Nine - "Noche Buena"
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