The magic of Christmas is in the air.
The cheery season brings cheer to everyone.
While Christians celebrate it with reason, namely birth of Jesus, people of other faiths are simply drawn to its universal spirit.
It is humanity’s most celebrated day every year, as people join in the festivities when reason for the season is simply lost to its exigencies.
The commercial appeal of Christmas is simply diabolical and reaches its pinnacle, as the ring of the tills brings elation and exuberance to business owners.
Christmas is a time for giving and exchanging gifts.
It also brings reconciliation, restoration and bonding of relationships.
For Christians, Christmas Day is recognised and celebrated as the Day Jesus Christ, the Messiah, who was born in the city of Bethlehem.
He was the Lamb of God destined for sacrifice for redemption of the sins of humanity. His ultimate crucifixion on the Cross of Calvary fulfilled His mission.
The Prophecy
Interestingly, His birth and death were prophesied by prophets in the Old Testament and yet he was not recognised for who He was.
Most notable among all is that of Prophet Isaiah, who highlighted His ordinariness as a servant who would not be recognised but eventually crucified.
Isaiah 53/3 and 7 noted the following:
He was despised and rejected by men
A man of sorrows and familiar with suffering
Like one from whom men hide their faces
He was despised and we esteemed him not
Yet he did not open his mouth
He was led like a lamb to the slaughter
And as a sheep before her shearers is silent
So he did not open his mouth.
The Birth, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ are the most significant days in the annual calendar of Christians.
They are variously recognised, observed and celebrated.
The spirit of Christmas bubbles with joy and happiness, resonating with tsunami of cheers that echo across the world.
Harmonised euphoria
On this day, humanity harmonises in the euphoria, as celebrations bring families and friends together. Young, old, aged or infirm share the occasion as the goodness of humanity comes to the fore.
Every year, Christmas celebrations reach a new high and the trend is not expected to change within the foreseeable future, as more and more people get drawn to its magnetism.
The sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the Cross of Calvary was the greatest offering made for the redemption of sins of humanity.
Yet, we remain oblivious and dismissive about it, wallowing in our sins that give us only fleeting comfort and pleasure.
Religiosity is not enough but living life of love, compassion and kindness is central to the teachings of Christianity.
To live otherwise is hollowness and sacrilegious and annual recognition of such occasions reminds and reconnects us to our spiritual anchors.
In this reconnection, there is strengthening and reinvigoration of our spiritual muscles and they help define our path ahead.
Harmony with spiritual values and consistency in upholding such values would bring Divine favour.
Turbulent world
In the joy, happiness and cheer of Christmas 2011, may the world be lit with the light of love, compassion and kindness.
We are witnesses to a world in turbulence as never before.
We have seen unprecedented hurricanes, fires, earthquakes and tsunamis.
Are these signs Divine signals for the end of the World?
Doomsayers would readily embrace such interpretations, as scientists probe their realm to assign reasons for such cataclysmic occurrences.
Nature’s wrath cannot be contained and the world will not be able to escape the consequences of the impending global recession.
It is the failure of political leaders that chose to live beyond the bounds of reason and restraints.
Tomorrow’s world casts fearful shadows and it is a challenge to the world leaders to avert the unfolding tragedy.
Peaceful New Zealand
Apart from the Christchurch tragedy caused by earthquakes, it has been a good year for New Zealand. We hosted and won the Rugby World Cup.
It was followed by national elections that returned the National Party to rule for another three-year term.
We are a small nation with a big heart and our potential is tested in times of great challenges. We have shown to the world that we may be small in size but our potential and ability comes to the fore when challenged.
We have collectively earned our name and fame and consequently, the right to have a great Christmas.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
