On the eve of Christmas coming and with the background of attacks on innocent people all over the world –   I   thought about what an individual can learn   from the ocassion which can strengthen the message of peace.       So after some thinking and studying the subject – I came with the following article (write-up) .

I usually send my articles to local newspaper (North Renfrew Times – NRT ) – for publication.   I have sent   the current article to NRT . However for Christmas articles they wait till last week of December to publish.

In the meantime , I do circulate the articles to my friends or colleagues or bridge partners.

Article:

Christmas   2017 – Christ’s message.

This year the birth of Lord Jesus will be celebrated   as   usual with joy and gusto by the faithful. Christmas parties and festivities will be cheerful and spreading joy all around.

This is the holiday when not only the faithful but also those who belong to other beliefs also join in the festivities due to the Santa Clause phenomenon which is included along with the celebration of the birth of Lord Jesus.   The old “cult” of Santa Claus incorporates many traditions: Christian as well as Pagan

Santa brings everyone together! No matter whether one is a Christian or not.   Kids (of all nationalities) all over the world know who Santa is… And although he may be a little commercial, who can help, but love the jolly old elf?     Toys and gifts become the centerpiece in the festivities.

It’s the idea of giving that reminds us: we are all on this planet together, for the long run.

There are some 2 billion Christians on this planet who believe in the birth of the Son of God . So what message one gets from this occurrence. Why the Son of God is to be born and then persecuted and finally to be nailed on the cross.   Why and what for ?   The faithful may say that He came to remove/wash our sins. The only way is through Jesus. Jesus came so He could die on the cross for ALL of our sins.

Not being of Christian faith myself , I believe there is a deeper message from this occurrence.   Here is the Son of God   born to a virgin mother, had to be a refugee , then persecuted (and do not forget the betrayal by a close confidante ),   finally believed to come alive and walk away from His grave. He is risen. This phenomena of resurrection is the most astounding one.

The conception of Jesus was miraculous. Son of God comes on this earth as a human being. That tells that  human beings are a special species and are important in the scheme of things. So it is critical that we human beings learn to look after each other rather than stockpiling weapons of mass destruction or go berserk and start bombing or shooting the neighbours. We have the obligation to nurture and look after other species like animals, flora and fauna. We need to respect people of all   races, color or nationalities without prejudice. Only then God will be joyful.

Jesus’s  life illustrates to us the greatest weapon in our hands for happiness and that is to be compassionate and forgiving . Even when he was on the cross – tortured and nailed – He asks ” Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.”

Jesus’s  life also teaches us to be courageous and not run away like cowards against evil and malicious actions by others but stand up against any injustices   with calm and composed attitude believing in our convictions and prepared for sacrificing our comforts and life, if need be.   Human dignity and rights are paramount and shall be equal for everyone.  Jesus on the cross is a very visible symbol of ” sacrifice ” for a cause.

We know that the Son of God had to be protected from King Harod’s machinations for wanting to kill the new born   and thus the family (Joseph & Mary along with the baby) took refuge in Egypt for two years . The refugees that we welcome these days are not different than what was happening in the old world and who knows amongst the modern refugees one of them may be a messenger for good.   However so far we have not had signs from any heavenly angels or from any wise men. Then Jesus teaches us the value of   ” patience ” and belief in workings of the Almighty.

Jesus teaches us to “turn the other cheek ” and not be violent under any circumstances – any violence or revengeful nature only bring devastation to all and sundry including those who perpetrate violence. This is the quality of divinity – message of God Almighty .  Even when he was betrayed by Judas (Judas was one of the 12 disciples closest to Jesus), Jesus became sad but did not get angry at him but forgave him for his deeds.

Jesus’s resurrection is very ennobling and shows us not to despair for any failure or loss as these failures/losses would be redeemed in one form or another in its own time – if you have conviction and faith.

Christmas is without a doubt my favorite time of the year. It’s the most wonderful time of the year. The family gets together from near and far. All grandchildren go helter-skelter having fun , playing with each other and bringing sound of joy in the household. The exchange of gifts and opening these bring so much excitement and laughter while the nature is showering snowflakes outdoors . One can almost hear the jingle bells in the ears. The Santa parade is a fixture for all to go and enjoy the bond with our neighbors .

Let us remember that the Christmas – celebration of the birth of Lord Jesus – enhances our empathetic attitude, encourage us to share our bounty and for us to remain connected and caring for the world around without any biases and prejudices.

The profound message of Christmas should not be forgotten amidst all the festivities and Santa Clause parade, Christmas Tree decorations, multiple gifts and feasts.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you all from me and my family.