Every child comes with the message that God is not yet disappointed with humans, wrote Rabindranath Tagore. The birth of Jesus, the holy child of Christmas, brought a special sort of hope to mankind. He was born to be the saviour of all sinners.
Christmas is not merely a time for fun, frolic and feasting, but an opportunity to apply the message of Christ in each person’s life. The original Christmas was by Jesus, for Jesus, and of Jesus. Today, Christmas is for the people, by the people and of the people. It should not turn into a meaningless annual ritual.
He came into this world for the redemption of the deprived and the oppressed who are segregated by caste, creed and colour. Love and service must be shared by all. Worship and adoration must be given to the loving, living and working God in the cradle of Bethlehem.
Christmas is the light, the love, and the life to each of us. There is no corner of the world where the light of his star will not penetrate. It should kindle, focus and lead us to the new path and give hope to millions. There is no hatred, bias or narrowness where his love flows, since the love born in the manger forgave enemies at Calvary’s Cross. There is no death, insensitivity and stink that his life cannot revive. The miracles, the marvellous truths that Jesus performed and revealed vouch for this truth. So the shepherds came, marvelled and proclaimed the dawn of a divine era on earth as the first missionaries on earth. The wise men came from the east, saw and conquered the master’s heart with their prophetic gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Today’s gifts are a broken but contrite spirit and a willing and obedient mind to His word and will.
Mary and Joseph bore shame and suffering to protect and project the Messiah for the masses. God chooses ordinary people to do extraordinary things. God fills weak and meek vessels with his will, to fulfil his purpose on earth.
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, Goodwill toward man” (St. Luke 2:14). When the carol of heavenly hosts is repeated and enacted today in the name of Jesus, Christmas brings new hope, blessing and bliss to all.
