It should be noted that Christmas is not just about presents, Santa Claus, or decorating trees. It is certainly more meaningful to us if we remember the reason we celebrate Christmas.
According to Luke 2:8-17:
There were shepherds in that region, living in the fields and keeping night watch by turns over their flocks. The angel of the Lord appeared to them as the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were very much afraid. The angel said to them: "You have nothing to fear! I come to proclaim good news to you - tidings of great joy to be shared by the whole people. This day in David's city a savior has been born to you, the Messiah and Lord. Let this be a sign to you: in a manger you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes. Suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,
"Glory to God in high heaven,
peace on earth to those on whom
his favor rests."
When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to one another: "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this event which the Lord has made known to us." They went in haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger, once they saw, they understood what had been told them concerning this child.
Matthew 2:1-12 says:
After Jesus' birth in Bethlehem of Judea during the reign of King Herod, astrologers from the east arrived one day in Jerusalem inquiring, "Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We observed his star at its rising and have come to pay him homage." At this news, King Herod became greatly disturbed, and with him all Jerusalem. Summoning all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. "In Bethlehem of Judea," they informed him. "Here is what the prophet has written:
'And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah,
are by no means least among the
princes of Judah,
since from you shall come a ruler
who is to shepherd my people Israel.' "
Herod called the astrologers aside and found out from them the exact time of the star's appearance. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, after having instructed them: "Go and get detailed information about the child. When you have found him, report it to me so that I may go and offer him homage too." After their audience with the king, they set out. The star which they had observed at its rising went ahead of them until it came to a standstill over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house, found the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did Him homage. They they opened their coffers and presented Him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. They received a message in a dream not to return to Herod, so they went back to their own country by another route.
The Christmas story reminds us that Christmas is a time for giving as Jesus is a gift from God to the world. For God so loved the world that he gave His only son, that whoever believes in Him may not die but may have eternal life (John 3:16). Regardless of the hardships that we have experienced throughout the year, as Christians, there is a spirit of giving and happiness among us. Christmas is most truly Christmas when we celebrate it by giving the light of love to those who need it most (Ruth Carter Stapleton). Like the shepherds and astrologers, we celebrate Christmas with great excitement and joy. Let us invite Jesus into our hearts this year and have a "Merry Christmas."
Scientists believe that Christmas decorations can improve our mood and make us happy. This is perhaps why we feel happy during this festive season. I always look forward to see the Christmas decorations in the shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur every year and take photos with these stunning decorations. And I am proud to say that Kuala Lumpur has some of the best Christmas decorations in the world. One of my favorite hobbies is photography and I never miss out the opportunity to pose for and take Christmas photos every year. Below are some of my Christmas photos taken this year.
A starry Christmas 2019 at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur
A Dazzling Christmas 2019 at Fahrenheit88 Shopping Mall, Kuala Lumpur.
A Wild Christmas 2019 at Sungei Wang Plaza, Kuala Lumpur.
The three photos above were taken by my brother who is also my photographer. After posing for photos, it's now time to show my talent in photography. I'll begin with Christmas Dreaming at The Gardens Mall, Mid Valley City. Located at Lingkaran Syed Putra, Mid Valley City, 59200 Kuala Lumpur, The Gardens Mall is a premium 6-level shopping haven. It has a range of different stores where top international fashion brands reside. This year, The Gardens Mall with its beautiful snowy Christmas really looks like a jungle of Dreams.
Christmas at The Gardens Mall, Mid Valley City
Christmas Dreaming at The Gardens Mall
A Snowy Christmas
A Beautiful White Christmas
A Jungle of Dreams
Christmas at Mid Valley Megamall
Welcome to Santa's Toyland!
Christmas is joy, religious joy, an inner joy of light and peace - Pope Francis
Christmas is not as much about opening our presents as opening our hearts - Janice Maeditere
God put Santa Claus on earth to remind us that Christmas is 'sposed to be a happy time - Bil Keane
The WOW! Wild Christmas at Sungei Wang Plaza is my favourite. Established in 1977, Sungei Wang Plaza is located at Jalan Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur. This seven-storey shopping center is also connected to Bukit Bintang Plaza. There is an interconnecting bridge that links Sungei Wang Plaza and Bukit Bintang Plaza to Lot 10 just across the road.
Let's have a Wild Christmas at Sungei Wang Plaza!
Now, let us go to Pavilion Kuala Lumpur for a starry Christmas in conjunction with the release of the highly anticipated movie, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. This year, its Center Court is transformed into a galactic Christmas playground, with amazing showcases, experiential pop-ups and everything STAR WARS in collaboration with Disney. Pavilion Shopping Mall is located at 168, Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur.
A Starry Christmas at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur
God never gives someone a gift they are not capable of receiving. If he gives us the gift of Christmas, it is because we all have the ability to understand and receive it - Pope Francis.
You may also like Berjaya Times Square and its glittering Christmas at 1, Jalan Imbi, Kuala Lumpur. Berjaya Times Square is easily accessible via monorail / MRT and is within walking distance from Sungei Wang Plaza and Pavilion.
A Christmas Glitter
A glittering Christmas at Berjaya Times Square
Some Christmas tree ornaments do more than glitter and glow, they represent a gift of love given a long time ago - Tom Baker
Lastly, we will stop at Suria KLCC, the epitome of shopping in Kuala Lumpur, to experience its Christmas wonders in white. Suria KLCC is located at 241, Suria KLCC, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur and is easily accessible via LRT. With the KLCC-Bukit Bintang Walkway (near Pavilion), you can walk comfortably from Bukit Bintang to Suria KLCC, and vice versa.
Christmas wonders in white at Suria KLCC
The tallest Christmas tree in Malaysia can be found at Suria KLCC
Thanks for reading. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Reference:
The New American Bible. New York: Thomas Nelson Publishers.
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