Daily News Editorial

Christmas reflections

24 December 2016

“I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one”. (John 10:28-30)

It’s 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, tomorrow. It is a joyous event that celebrates the eventful life of Jesus, whose words still ring true today, more than 2000 years on.

Christmas has now become a worldwide celebration that transcends communal and religious boundaries. True, it has become commercialized 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 His Story, a story that profoundly changed the history of mankind.

Christmas is all about giving – forgiving too. It is 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. “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him”. (John 4:9)

The recent controversy over the construction of the “world’s tallest Christmas tree” at Galle Face Green brought these issues to the fore. There were arguments that it was a waste of money, which could otherwise have been spent on the welfare of the poor. On the other hand, the organisers said the aim of the entire project was to benefit charity. The ideal goal would be balancing these concerns. Remarkably, almost all the workers who were building the Galle Face Christmas tree are Buddhists. Christmas has become a national celebration in Sri Lanka’s multi-ethnic, multi-religious society. People belonging to other religions actively participate in Christmas festivities and help their Christian brethren in the Christmas activities. Christmas is indeed an occasion that unites everyone across the board.

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. Listening to the Christmas day sermon 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)

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)

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.

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.” (Jeremiah 29:11)