Blessed, indeed (^_^)

Went to a record number of five Christmas Parties this year. No, this is not a description of the parties.

Casting the feasts and gift exchange aside, Christmas is about the gift of God, Jesus Christ, to this world. Without Christmas, the world is a much harsher place, isn't it? Looking back, it never ceases to amaze me how faith was introduced to me. Our God is creative with a sense of humour. With all things work for the good of those who love Him, He led people to faith through unimaginable ways.

Imagine LOTR! Little did I know that as a non-believer, the seed was planted as I browsed through literature on LOTR indiscriminately at the libraries. Why would I bother to read "Finding God in the Lord of the Rings" if not for the love of the story?

The initial obsession was skin deep (elves made their mark!Hah!), but as I studied deeper into the literature, theological themes such as the triumph of humility over pride, the battle of good versus evil, the seven sins(referring to the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life) and of repentance, redemption, free will, justice(the list goes on and on) slowly seeped into my mind.

Not doubt the theme of industrialization and war were also evident in LOTR, but, in Tolkien's words, LOTR was fundamentally a religious work to him. I shall not dwell on Catholic and Christianity here, as Tolkien's a Catholic. Reading critical analysis of LOTR written by Christian writers had sparked curiosity and cast questions over my head. That was how the foundation was laid since 2001, unconscious to me at that point of time, consciously so much later.

And then came the catalysts in 2003 and 2004. I thank God for the people that He brought into my life. Distressing though some events maybe, that became the turning point. No more turning back since Oct 2004. Though some things did not make sense initially, I thank Him for the wisdom to figure things out later. For some other issues, I am still figuring things out, but I know God already has a good plan.

We love because He first loved us. This season, let us remember how lavish His love is for mankind, and may He has mercy on us, as wretched beings, who forget his love too easily, be forgiven. With such a loving God watching over me, there's no need to worry. Have peace in the heart and stay joyful! For I am blessed. =)