A joyous occasion
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)
It was a night like no other, made brilliant by a glorious star, the smell of incense, shepherds and wise men falling to their knees in adoration of a sweet baby born in a manger who would one day rule the hearts of men and women.
The birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem all those years ago during a Silent and Holy Night was a momentous event that literally changed the course of history. In fact, there are those who say that His Story is the story of modern History.
Indeed, it is that time of the year again. Christians around the world including those in Sri Lanka will celebrate Christmas, which marks the birth of Son of God Jesus Christ, on December 25. It is a joyous event that celebrates the eventful life of Jesus, whose words still ring true today, more than 2,000 years on.
A worldwide celebration
Christmas has now become a worldwide celebration that transcends communal and religious boundaries. True, it has become commercialised to the extent that some children apparently believe they are celebrating the birthday of Santa Claus. But if one looks beyond the baubles and glitter, Christmas is still a celebration of the pious life of Jesus Christ.
Christmas is all about giving – forgiving too. If you have fallen out with any of your friends or relatives, now is the time to make up. It is a two-way street with a bit of give and take. If you have an ego problem, now is the time to come down to Earth. Christmas is also about sharing what you have with others who are less fortunate. Jesus himself was not born with a silver spoon in his mouth. He was born in a manger in a common man’s cottage in Bethlehem. Then he shared his wisdom with everyone.
Spiritual importance
Christmas is a joyous occasion – there is nothing wrong in celebrating it in a materialistic way, but we must also be mindful of the spiritual importance of the day. Some people believe that spirits of the liquid kind are necessary to celebrate Christmas. But Archbishop Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith has called for devout Christians of all denominations to stay away from liquor this season and also on Christmas Day itself. This is an advice all should follow this season. There are so many other ways in which one can join in the festivities.
Listening to the Christmas Day sermon at your Church is not good enough – one has to follow those tenets. This goes for all the religions. In fact, many experts say that today’s society has become violent and crime-ridden, because people have moved away from religion and moral values. This is why it is important for Temples, Kovils, Churches and Mosques to get closer to their followers and congregations. The religious leaders must pro-actively spread the message of peace and non-violence. “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18)
Forgive one another
This is essential for Sri Lanka, which is seeking lasting peace and reconciliation after three decades of discord. It is not an overnight process. Religious dignitaries and the faithful can play a bigger role in achieving reconciliation in our land. Coming to terms with the past is an essential component of this exercise. “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Colossians 3:13-14)
It is only through such a healing process that we can achieve lasting peace for all. In this context, we can seek solace in the core message of Jesus Christ – and Christmas – which has unchanged for centuries. His message is relevant today as it was 2000 years ago – “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you”. (John 14:17)
Guiding our lives
But peace must begin from within our hearts. Shedding evil thoughts from our minds and seeing inner beauty is essential if we are to lead pious lives. We accumulate evil thoughts including jealousy, hatred and envy in the relentless pursuit of money and material gains. We engage in sin, contravening the teachings of the Great Masters including Jesus Christ. “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy”. (Proverbs 28:13).
This Christmas should be a day for contemplating on the never-ending ‘rat race’ of life and guiding our lives in a new direction, sans wrongdoings and sins. Peace and compassion shall begin in our hearts and homes and then spread outwards. Parents have a special responsibility to ensure that their children grow up adhering to cherished religious tenets and moral values.
Enduring legacy
Christmas is not only about the birth of a Great Man, but also about celebrating his enduring legacy in a world torn apart by conflict. It is time to take His words to heart to make our world a better, peaceful place. “For I know the plans I have for you - plans to prosper you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
But to ensure such a bright future, Christmas and the festive season should be celebrated with a difference this time around. The Covid-19 pandemic has upended our lives in more ways than one. We have spent the better part of 18 months under lockdown and various other restrictions.
Yet, these were and are necessary to save lives. Hence it is important not to forget the health guidelines during the festive season. Avoid large crowds, wear face masks, wash hands frequently and maintain the distance.
If you throw a party at home, make sure that only a limited number of guests is invited. If you attend a party somewhere else, be sure to follow the health guidelines. Jesus himself was a healer, likewise we can all be healers and help save precious lives this season if we strictly follow the health guidelines.