Each year, the circle of our life sees us finish somethings whilst beginning something new. It is the time of year when we are preparing for the upcoming holidays. Many businesses are closing or minimising their activities. The time for end of year meetings, lunches, dinners and brunches is upon us. It can be a hectic time with many people looking forward to their holiday break. They share with each other greeting cards wishing one another happy holidays.
We, who are calling ourselves Christian and Catholics, are looking forward to Christmas which is the birthday celebration of Jesus Christ, our Lord and God. We also send greeting cards wishing Merry Christmas acknowledging the birth of Jesus. Yes, Christ is in the centre of our life, and we are looking forward to celebrating Christ Mass. The birth of Jesus in poor conditions not only sanctify our human families but also underline the reality of our relationship with God who became a man.
For some people the Christmas story would start with “once upon the time, in a land far, far away a child was born”. This introduction will place Christmas as a fairy tale story. But for us, faithful believers Christmas is about the real birth of a child, Jesus. His birth was and still is a source of light which overpowers the darkness in our life.
“Christ be our light! Shine in our hearts. Shine through the darkness.
Christ, be our light! Shine in your church gathered today.”
These of course are the words of a popular song we use in our celebrations. It is not only a song but also an expression of our belief that Christ is the light which overpowers the dark moments in our life. So, we sing further:
“Longing for light, we wait in darkness. Longing for truth, we turn to you.
Make us your own, your holy people, light for the world to see.”
The source of that light comes from Bethlehem’s manger and on Christmas we want to come together to celebrate the birth of Christ as a light for the world to see.
From the first Sunday of Advent, we are waiting with joyful anticipation for Christmas. Children are waiting for gifts, young students are waiting for school holidays, adults are waiting for family gatherings and we all are looking forward to a peaceful and joyful time of the birth of Jesus.
May the celebration of Christmas fill your life with light and joy. May Christ find a room in our families because He is the source of never-ending life and light.
Wishing you all Merry Christmas.
