I wish you a merry Christmas
Song Text
I wish you a Merry Christmas and a good and happy New Year.
I hope you have a wonderful Christmas time and that your wishes may come true.
Too many people just think about the Christmas gifts they will buy for their friends.
But I’d like to tell you that Christmas is more than a parcel under the tree.
Christmas reminds us of the time when God the Father gave us His own Son,
who lived among us and saved the world from certain damnation.
Maybe you think every year it’s the same: everyone has good wishes, but in the end,
nothing changes, and you continue on your path, with each year seeming harder for you.
I would like to tell you that you do not need to worry or despair, because there is hope for you.
Jesus can help you to find a new life – that is the message of Christmas.
Q&A Section
1. Christmas is approaching. Sister, could you tell our audience the significance of the Twelve Days of Christmas in Christian tradition?
In Christmas, we first of all celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
He was in heaven with His Father Jehovah, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Then He came down as a little child to earth to solve the problem of sin. He grew up, and when He was around 30 years old, He began to preach about repentance and the kingdom of God.
Since the religious authorities were jealous, they crucified Him. But with His death, He paid the price of sin for us, as the Scripture says: The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ.
When we repent and receive Jesus Christ, we can have peace with God and all our sins are washed away.
Jesus was born in a stable in Bethlehem, because there was no room in the inn for His parents when the time came. It was a virgin birth, because His true Father was God, and the Holy Spirit brought about the child. So Jesus was both human and divine, and the only one without sin, able to pay the price for it.
In that night in Bethlehem, angels appeared to shepherds in the field, saying: Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth to men. The shepherds went to worship the newborn baby. Later, wise men from the East came to worship Him too and bring Him gifts.
This is why many people long for a peaceful Christmas and why people give presents to others.
2. How does the song describe the arrival of Jesus Christ into the world?
The song describes the hope we can have if we give our lives to Jesus. Many people feel that every year is the same, with few positive changes. But when we receive Jesus as our Savior, He can transform our lives, bring joy to our hearts, and give meaning to our days—so that there is a “before” and an “after.”
3. What do Christmas tree decorations mean? Do you buy a new tree every year?
The Christmas tree represents many symbols. I also have one because I love the lights and the atmosphere.
Some say the tree may represent the wood of the cross where Jesus was crucified. The thorns of the tree could remind us of the crown of thorns the Roman soldiers placed on His head.
In Chile, people not only decorate a tree, but also hang a wreath made from pine branches on their doors. In Germany, families place an Advent wreath with four candles on the table for the four weeks before Christmas.
When I was in Europe, I used to buy a real Christmas tree. Here in Chile, we use the same one every year.
Sadly, nowadays Christmas decorations often focus more on Santa Claus than on the poor birth of Jesus in the stable. For many people, Christmas has become only about eating, drinking, and receiving gifts.
But this year we live in difficult times: wars without solution, extreme weather, unemployment, and rising inflation. Christmas should not be an escape from these problems but a reminder that Jesus is the only hope. He left His glory in heaven to be born in a stable, so that we could have forgiveness and eternal life.
4. How does the song celebrate the gifts of love, joy, and peace?
The song makes it clear that true love, joy, and peace come only through a relationship with Jesus Christ.
In Galatians 5 we read that these are fruits of the Holy Spirit. Without Christ, people may think they have them, but it is only an illusion that passes quickly. With the Holy Spirit, these gifts remain forever.
5. What role do music and dance play in Christmas celebrations?
Singing and dancing are activities that families can enjoy together on Christmas Eve.
In my childhood, we never danced, but my father played the trumpet, and it was very solemn. We had to wait until the singing was finished before we could open our presents.
For me, the most important thing is to worship Jesus with songs before celebrating with food and gifts.
6. How does the song encourage people to come together at Christmas?
The song encourages people to reflect at the end of the year: Do they want to continue as before, or make a change?
Since God has forgiven us through Jesus, we should also seek reconciliation with others if we have conflicts or bitterness.
7. What message of hope does “I Wish You a Merry Christmas” bring?
The lyrics tell us not to focus on presents and material things, but on the changes Jesus can make in our lives.
8. How can we apply the spirit of giving throughout the year?
God has prepared good works for us in advance. We only need to be ready when He calls us to act. The Holy Spirit will guide us to contribute at the right time.
9. What was your most meaningful Christmas?
Once, when I was alone, I spent Christmas at the home of a close friend who has since passed away. She asked me to help prepare the food, and we roasted a turkey together. Many guests from different countries came, since her husband was a university professor. Not everyone spoke the same language, so we had to translate for one another.
I don’t remember the gifts—that was not important. What mattered was being together and sharing fellowship with so many people.
