My Journey: December 2008

It's the time of the year again, where people are busy buying and wrapping gifts for their loved ones, while some are reflecting upon the moments of the year and making resolutions for the new year.

As I grow through the years, I've come to feel that Christmas is not just about buying or receiving gifts. It's not just about sending greeting cards and wishing people 'Merry Christmas', but it has become more Christ-masly important than the festival itself. Being a Christian for many years, I'm still apprehending the true meaning of Christmas, appreciating its true meaning and holding on to the best gift that our Father has given us - Jesus.

This Christmas is special for Len & I as we have our precious lil Ethan to celebrate with us. It'll never be the same again having an additional member to our family, as the world was never the same after Jesus came.

I just read a beautiful story written by Sharon Jaynes, imagining herself as a shepherd visiting Jesus at His birth - the night He was born. For one moment, imagine yourself as the shepherd writing this letter to his brother, Matthias..

Dear Mathias:

As I am writing you this letter, my hand is still a bit shaky. I'm not sure it will ever stop. But I must tell you about an incredible experience that happened to Matthew, Simeon, Levi, and me, two weeks ago. As usual, we were watching our sheep on a hillside east of Bethlehem. I was on the night watch and the others were sleeping. There was something unusual about the sky that night. I can't explain it, really. Like heat reflecting off the desert sand, the stars seemed to be jockeying into place, fidgeting and restless in their usual stayed positions. Diamonds danced on the inky backdrop, rather than standing sure and still. Even the sheep seemed to notice the heavenly mirage.

Then it happened. As if a curtain was pulled back, I saw what was stirring the stars....angels! Yes, angels, angels, everywhere. Immediately, the others awoke to the celestial lights, flapping of wings and the resonation of indistinguishable singing.

At first, only one spoke. "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

Then, the curtain was drawn back even more and the sky was filled with angels! "Glory to God in the highest!" they sang, "and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests."

The flapping of their wings stirred the air, whipped our hair, and blew our tunics in all directions. Amazingly, the sheep were calm during this majestic occurrence. It was almost as if this were nothing unusual happening. Perhaps this was not the first time they had seen an angel. Who knows? We, on the other hand, were awestruck. Tears streamed down our dusty cheeks. We fell to our knees, marveling at the beauty of heaven displayed before us.

Then quietly and slowly, the curtain returned and the angels were no more. We rose to our feet and began to run in the direction of Bethlehem to see this babe. How did we know where to go?

Mathias, the only way I know how to explain it is to think of my relationship to my sheep. When I am grazing in a field with several of my friends and their flocks, our sheep get all mixed together. Sometimes five different flocks can be mingled together at one time. But as soon as I call to my sheep, they separate from the others and follow me home. They know my voice. Each and every one of them can distinguish the voice of their shepherd and they know whom to follow.

That's how it was that night. It was as if a shepherd had called my name. I knew his voice and he called me out from among all the rest.

Where did we go? To a palace? To a temple? To a stately manor? No, we went to a stable. But isn't that where a shepherd would call his sheep? To a stable?

What did we see? A burning bush like our ancestor, Moses? Writing on the wall? A vision? No. We saw a baby, wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger -- just like the angel had said. He didn't speak, but somehow he called our names. He is the Christ, Mathias. The one of which the prophets spoke.

Do you remember the prophet Isaiah's words? "He tends his flock like a shepherd; he gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young." When I saw the babe (who later his parents told me was named Jesus), I knew this was the one of whom the prophet spoke. And didn't the prophet Micah say the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem? It all makes sense to me now, and yet it is still a mystery.

Why me? Why did God choose to send the angels to announce the Savior's birth to me -- a lowly shepherd? I don't know the answer to that, my friend. All I know is that one starry night, I was a shepherd. And then God spoke my name and I became a sheep. Now, my friend, God is calling your name as well.

I don't know what will become of this baby in the manger, but I do know this...the world will never be the same again -- nor will I.

Shalom,
Your brother, the sheep.

Blessed Christmas and New Year, everyone!

Today marks the 7th month for lil Ethan who was born on May 13. Looking back, he has grown much, not only in terms of physical but also his motor and communication skills. These days he has learnt to demand; anything that fancies him he'll want to grab hold of it, and he'll complain if he doesn't get what he wants. He has also learnt to recognize people; resistant to letting strangers or whoever doesnt seem familiar to him to carry him. He has improved on his motor skills - his grab is pretty firm, and he can hold two different things with both hands, or pass one thing from one hand to the other. He's also able to sit on his own for some moment. His communication skills are also getting better - when we ask him something, he'll answer in his universal tone 'HUH'.

So this is Ethan, our darling boy..