Christmas: Its Real Essence

I've been in this world for fifteen years already.  But for all those years, I never did celebrate Christmas -- the occasion which is best celebrated in the world.  Everyone unites like married couples.  Is it not ironic?

I was born as a member of the Church of Christ or Iglesia Ni Cristo as called in the Philippines.  My parents grew me up as an active member of the church.  Also, they taught me to keep my faith in Him and keep worshiping the one and only Lord God.

As I grow up, I observe that every December 25, people are extremely happy.  I observed that they are much excited when December arrives.  And as if they are the birthday celebrants on that day.  I do not also know where they have known Santa Claus.  Aren't they foolish of it?

They say it is the birthdate of Jesus Christ?  So what verse in the Bible could I see that sentence stating that December 25 is Jesus' birthday?  In our church, never in my whole life have I ever heard from our ministers that December 25 has to do with Jesus' life nor have I read it on the Bible.  That was too weird, I think people are mistaken.

Until now, I want to frank people that there is no Christmas.  But I am afraid that they might just bully me.  Christmas began from the Pagans and there's no sense of fooling people around.  And if they want to celebrate it, well do it by bringing up its real essence -- the spirit of loving and giving.  It's not just enough to celebrate like doing family reunions or whatever that can please somebody else.  It is not also nice to celebrate anything without any reference.  It's just a waste of time and money.

Although I do not believe the Christmas, I believe its real essence.  Because for what I see, people do good when Christmas arrives.  I am thankful that even if I do not belong to them when they celebrate that day, they never do things that are against my religion.  And that is the real essence of it.  Loving, giving.  And respecting.