A Personal Season's Message

It's that time of year again when we all get excited, perked up and pressured (and stressed out) because of the holiday season. Perhaps, to most of us, Christmas brings nostalgic memories of family reunions sharing one another the spirit of charity, joy, and love. Somehow, this age-old Christian tradition offers/gives us a reason to hope for a better life, and to celebrate our lives amidst a crazy, unstable, volatile yet beautiful and wonderful world we live in. It reminds us of our unquestionable faith in Jesus Christ, our Saviour. His coming into our lives and His strong influence to/on us inspire us to continue to do good deeds and simple acts of love, in various ways and capacities, to others, near or far, who are also our brothers and/or sisters in Christ. 

As we observe and celebrate the holiday season with material and spiritual abundance, with funfare and merriment, let's not forget the less or least fortunate in our midst. We know and are aware that they're everywhere. They, too, deserve to celebrate, to enjoy the Yuletide season with our generous gift-giving (of ourselves), with our sincere and genuine generosity and kindness, with our open arms, warm hugs and kisses of comfort and loving care. Let's open our doors/hearts when they come---the children, young and old---innocently smiling and singing, to the best they can, Christmas carols that lift/ enliven our damp spirits. Their visit, with their parents, should not be regarded a waste of time for us, or a burden or nuisance to us. Rather, it should be a delightful blessing, an opportunity for us to practice charity and love.  After all, aren't we all children of God the Almighty, brothers and/or sisters of Jesus Christ?

Christmas, therefore, is a time for us to be all together, in unison with the rest of the world, welcoming with open arms and enjoying His coming and living with/among us. As we celebrate Jesus Christ's nativity in and among us all, we can imagine how and why we came into this world, too, out of love, with much hope and joy and inspiration. And, as we await with anticipation and excitement for the arrival of a new year, 2012, let's hope and pray that our world will be more peaceful, responsive to our needs, and safer to live and to succeed. Moreover, let's hope and pray for our government and religious leaders, worldwide, who are working tirelessly to uplift our economic and spiritual lives in addition to issues related to equality and justice for all. Happy Holidays to all!  -chris.a.quilpa/17 Dec 2011