My holiday has kicked in starting Saturday yesterday and today, the church I was attending had a Christmas lunch catering for everyone. Christmas is my favourite season of the year and I know that some people, Christians, and non-Christians may not celebrate Christmas for having its pagan roots but I for one don't really care about where Christmas has come from. As long as I know that there is an 'opportunity' to share Christ, I'd rather have Christmas everyday then. I'm only using whatever the world throws at me to turn it into something to glorify God. I sometimes think people can be so uptight about things that they lose focus on the main mission in life, 'To bring heaven down to earth'.

Putting aside all the pagan roots, or whether Christ was born on this exact day, I'm going to continue living my life for Christ. Reflecting back at all the things God has done in my life, I can never ever say that He isn't real or some ethereal being like Santa Claus. In fact, He has been watching over me all this time, at my workplace, among friends, protecting me from wolves, jealousy, egoistical debates, territorial behaviors that can come from people.

I was talking to the church pastor just now and he has gotten me to realized that this year itself, God has protected me from so many things that could and world destroy me, be it emotionally, mentally or physically. As I talked to the people around me from time to time, I found out that not everyone is for/with me, but the amazing thing is that these ill intentions never got to me. I thank God for protecting me. God has a way to keep me from all these politics and drama and has a way of turning them into strength for me to glorify Him.

I can't imagine my life without God having my back though. Imagine I would have to constantly watch my back (not that I don't), and constantly making sure I am in control of certain things so I get the respect I think I deserve, but all this can only go so far with any of our own ability. I'm glad these are all taken care of by God who watches over me because there are so many things happening behind which I won't know and only God can intervene.

There is a verse that I hold so dearly for this year whenever I come across situations like these and I would always leave the judgment to God :

Isaiah 41:10 (New International Version (NIV))

So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
“All who rage against you
will surely be ashamed and disgraced;
those who oppose you
will be as nothing and perish.
Though you search for your enemies,
you will not find them.
Those who wage war against you
will be as nothing at all.
For I am the Lord your God
who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
I will help you.

I hope that in 2020, God will continue to ever be more prominent in my life and I pray that He would be present in yours too because He loves you just as much! If you're reading this, know that He loves you and He cares for you. He died on the cross for you and I and paid the ultimate price so that we may have Salvation to be with Him one day in heaven. THAT is what Christmas is about. Love, Hope and Faith.

Here are some photos of what went down at the Christmas Lunch just now.