Essence of Christmas

                          Christmas is not all about merrymaking. We must also spare time to reflect on the essence of the period, which is the love of God for humanity. This unquantifiable love is summed up in the popular Bible verse, John 3: 16: “For God so loved the world that he gave us his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him will not perish but have eternal life.” When we ponder on God’s love for us, we are encouraged to share love with others, to embrace peace and be our brother’s keeper. When we are imbued with this love of God, we will always be willing to give a helping hand to those in need, to give succour and comfort to vulnerable ones.

                         At  Christmas, we must pray for peace in our homes, in the country and in the world at large. We need peace like never before. Our family values have come under heavy attack in recent times, owing to the lack-lustre social economic situation in the land. Many fathers and husbands these days can hardly meet up with their responsibilities; otherwise happy homes are crumbling and children are becoming rebellious. The society also is not better off. There is unemployment and insecurity in the land. The air is filled with so much uncertainty.

                       The spirit behind Christmas is that of giving and sharing. In the Bible, we learn of how the wise men, on learning about the newborn child, came calling with gifts of gold, incense and myrrh. We should also be like these who understood the virtue in giving. It is through giving that we receive. Sometimes, the gains may not be natural but spiritual.