For the retail and tourism industries, the Christmas season each year is a crucial time for revenue. Cartoon characters and Christmas decorations, dazzling lights and delightful music fill commercial districts and tourist hotspots. People are busy shopping and taking photos, and “the true Christmas spirit” often becomes a promotional slogan. Yet, is this truly the Christmas spirit?

       Jesus Christ came into the world and lived on earth for more than thirty years, dwelling among ordinary people and witnessing firsthand injustice, illness, poverty, and death in humanity. He did not eliminate all suffering by miracles. Instead, he chose to bear suffering Himself. He wept, went through pain, and experienced betrayal and death. His coming to the world was to let man know God who is both loving and just. He shows us that God is not a detached observer, but a Savior deeply involved in humanity’s history of brokenness.

       A month ago, the Tai Po fire plunged the entire city into grief and once again forced us to squarely face the fragility of life and the pervasive presence of evil. When faced with grieving neighbors, “Merry Christmas” can feel like a blessing difficult to utter. Yet, it is precisely in such sorrow that the message of Christmas becomes especially real—because Jesus Christ is not a God distant in heaven, but the Lord who weeps with those who weep. Under a decree of the Roman Empire, Mary and Joseph went up to Bethlehem, where Jesus was born in a humble manger. Years later, He was crucified under Pontius Pilate, proclaiming to a wounded world: God is still with us.

       The birth of Jesus did not spare the world from suffering, but it made His presence and faithfulness all the more evident in the midst of suffering. This world is like a terminally ill patient. The process of healing is long and painful, and at times seems hopeless. Yet, the Great Physician—our Lord—will surely accomplish the work of healing. He heals not only individual wounds, but will ultimately, at the final judgment, completely remove sin and death, renewing all creation. The gospel of Jesus Christ leads those who are justified by faith onto the path of sanctification and renewal.

       The gospel of Christmas reminds us that our truest hope does not lie in systems or the economy, but in the Lord who has already come and has promised to come again. The risen and returning Lord will bring about a new heaven and a new earth. God Himself will dwell with His people and they will be His people. There will be no more tears, no more death (Revelation 21:3–4), and no more darkness.

       Therefore, whether you are in good times or in suffering, may we all know that though the lights of this city may grow dim or be extinguished, the true Light that shone in the night sky over Bethlehem will surely shine into open hearts, leading people into God’s presence. This is the deepest meaning of Christmas—not the absence of darkness, but seeing the light in the darkness and receiving new life through that light.

       Let us have the same mindset as Christ Jesus and bear witness to the gospel. Immanuel. Merry Christmas!