Tou

This character stands for “tou,” which means “head” and “beginning.”  All of these meanings come together in the same Jesus we celebrate at Christmas.

The ancient letter of Colossians says, “We look at this Son and see the God who cannot be seen. We look at this Son and see God’s original purpose in everything created. For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible, rank after rank after rank of angels—everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him. He was there before any of it came into existence and holds it all together right up to this moment.”

Jia

Today’s character, “jia,” stands for “home” and “family.”  As we celebrate Christmas with our family, we also celebrate the wonder of being welcomed into God’s family.  What an inheritance!  What a privilege!  What intimacy!

Sheng

This Hanyu character is “sheng,” which means “to be born.”  Today I am celebrating the birth of Jesus, Immanuel, God who came, and still comes, to dwell with us.