Finally, the Christmas season has arrived. The world is decorated with grandeur and elegance, and festivals are in full swing. The sounds of carols and lively music fill the air, as if the whole world is rejoicing in the birth of Jesus Christ.

As I waited for the train at Long Island Station, I saw an advertisement that caught my eye. It was a picture of Santa Claus on a new motorcycle, delivering gifts to every house, but seemingly unable to find the right address, checking his cell phone. The ad was promoting cell phones, with the message that even Santa Claus can’t deliver without one!

The commercial made me reflect on how busy people are during the Christmas season, trying to fill Santa’s bag with gifts. The cost of filling that bag is increasing every year, making me wonder if we should just get rid of it altogether. But I hope that we can at least go back to the old days when Santa brought joy to those in need, like the poor match girl or the boy who took care of his family.

As we celebrate Christmas, I pray that you will find the true meaning of the season and experience the joy of Christ in your heart.

When I was a child, Christmas was a magical time. Our small church would be filled with children, and we would all take off our shoes and sit on the floor. We would sing hymns with all our might, and I remember one song that always stands out: “The Christmas bell rings out, far and wide…” The joy of Christmas, the candlelight service, the Christmas play, and the children’s choir were truly heaven on earth.

– Wan-Hee Yoon, Letter from the Parsonage, 12/25/1999