A Very Different Christmas

"For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." ~ Isaiah 9:6

This year's Christmas period has been a very different one for many reasons. First of all, I think it's the first time that there's only ONE miserable week of break in between postings. While I know I shouldn't be complaining because the millions of people who are out there working only has one day, I'm still a student so I guess I should still erm.. get longer breaks? Okay. That was a weak argument.

Secondly, I don't think I had ever been this busy for the previous years. For once, I have to concede that handling tuition, carolling with Hwa Chong Voices, Jubilate (Church youth choir) and the programme for church Christmas service, with even the limited CHP Lit-Review stuff, all within the course of one week, is no mean feat. Not to mention the CMPS report which is due real soon and which I've not started on. Some may say that it's my own fault for saying 'yes' to so many things, so I shouldn't be complaining. For those out there who are concerned, I thank you for the encouraging sms-es and words that you've given me. It's really greatly appreciated. (: Although all of these had been physically and mentally tiring, they gave me an immense amount of joy. God's grace has sustained me thus far, and all glory goes to Him. However, maybe it's time for me to consider not taking up so many things for next year, to give myself some respite and rest. But then again, I say this every year. Well, we'll see. Till then.. (:

However, the week hasn't been all 'work'-related. Caught up with a sister in church who returned from overseas studies for a short while and couple of JC classmates. Great times of catching up. It's always refreshing to meet up with friends you haven't seen for some time and talk about anything under the sun. The connection's just amazing, and I always bid them goodbye fulfilled.

Thirdly, the loss of a dear sister, classmate and friend has brought additional meaning to this Christmas. The truth that a living God came to this world to die for dying people so that they may live for eternity amazes me once again. It is the hope that Christmas brings that assures me that I will meet her again in future.

No matter how much the Christmas period may change/vary for me year to year, one thing never changes: The real significance of Christmas.

"Christmas isn't Christmas till it happens in your heart
Somewhere deep inside you, is where Christmas really starts
So give your heart to Jesus, you'll discover when you do
That it's Christmas, really Christmas, for you"

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On a separate note, I would like to say a great thank you to all those who wrote me cards and gave me presents. Just your luck to have a bo xim friend like me, who didn't write any card or buy anybody any presents this year. For those who have been writing me cards every year without fail, a huge sorry that it's been pretty much one-way the past years. I may not be able to reciprocate your love in cash (i.e. gifts) or in kind (i.e. cards), but I really appreciate it very much, from the bottom of my heart. <3

P.S. Nobody is interested in any of the events in the previous post? ):