Christmas is...

(Introductory Note: The word Christ refers to "the Anointed One" or, the Messiah (the "One Who is Sent"). The word "Christmas" is first found in use in the year 1038. It comes from the Old English: Cristes Maesse or, the "Mass of Christ". On this day of the year, Christians all over the world celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Son of God---"the Christ"---fully God and fully man: God in human form.)

Christmas is...

a time to celebrate and commemorate
the birthday of Jesus, the Holy One
who came down to live among us
to give us life and hope.

a time to be merry
festive and jolly
to be well and happy
with our friends and family.

a  time to spread the spirit of the season
the joy of caring and giving
loving and sharing
of ourselves for others.
(c) 2011 by chris a. quilpa
24 Dec 2011

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

Christmas Thoughts

Gifts wrapped under a tall Christmas tree
in the living/family room the fireplace is lit
its warmth is felt by everyone
gathered together as one
picture-perfect family
reunion---in the spirit of the season
the joy and love and peace
the giving and sharing
of one's Self to the others
the best gift that we can offer
that's the true spirit of Christmas.

As Christmas songs and carols played
and Yuletide wishes and greetings sent
to loved ones near or far
across the miles the world rejoices
for His coming down to us
to renew our hope and commitment
for Peace on Earth and Goodwill
to humankind!
(c) 2011 by chris.a.quilpa
17 dec 2011