Christmas thoughts

Christmas is here again. Today, Christians around the world, including those in Sri Lanka, celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ who sacrificed his life so that others may live. This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. (Matt. 3:17)

In Sri Lanka, Christmas has evolved into a national festival with not only Christians but also those belonging to other religions taking part in the festivities. In fact, the past week has seen three religious events - the Hajj, the Unduvap Full Moon Poya Day and now Christmas. Just 20 days from now, the country will celebrate Thaipongal.

This exemplifies the religious unity and diversity among Sri Lankans. There are many places in Sri Lanka where temples, churches, mosques and kovils are found virtually next to each other. Religious amity and co-existence will continue to be a hallmark of the Lankan nation.

Jesus Christ stood for amity and co-existence among all peoples of the world. His message of peace and reconciliation is apt today more than ever. His words, the message of God, can still be applied to our lives if we pause for a moment to be one with ourselves in this increasingly commercialised world. He is thy life, and the length of thy days. (Deut. 30:20)

Commercialisation has taken over every aspect of our lives, including religion. Christ's words are hardly heard as the spotlight literally falls on Christmas decorations, parties, shopping and other activities that have little or no bearing on the spiritual nature of Christmas. There was a report sometime back to the effect that many children in the West thought Christmas was Santa's birthday. This alone illustrates the extent to which Christmas has been commercialised.

It is time that we got closer to God this Christmas, away from the shimmering veneer of commercialism. Thou shalt find Him, if thou seek Him with all thy heart and with all thy soul. (Deut. 4:29). Thus it is necessary to give preference to the spiritual side of Christmas. In other words, it should be an occasion for the heart and soul, not necessarily eyes and ears. What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? (Mark 8:36)

As Rev.Fr. Merceilline Jayakody once said, a real Christmas is one shared with the poor, the homeless and the helpless. He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill. (I Sam. 2:8) That was how Jesus Christ looked at the poor with a compassionate eye.

There are many who celebrate Christmas in extravagant ways, spending lakhs of rupees. That joy can be shared with the less fortunate this Christmas.

Christmas is not only a time for giving, but also for forgiving as well. The good Lord pardon every one That prepareth his heart to seek God. (II Chron. 30:18-19). Anger, jealousy and hatred consume us as we engage in the unending quest for money.

Christmas is an occasion to forget such enmity and extend the hand of friendship to all. It is an ideal time to rejoice in the moral values that bind our social fabric together. Caring and sharing should thus be an integral part of Christmas.

Jesus Christ is often called a Messenger of Peace. Seek peace, and pursue it. (Ps. 34:14) We often think of peace in the wider context, but peace within ourselves and among ourselves are equally important. Peace should be a goal of our lives everyday.

As Sri Lankans try to resolve the North-East conflict, peace will be uppermost in the minds of all. The country has suffered for several decades as a result of the conflict and it is our fervent hope that initiatives currently underway on many fronts will bring lasting peace for the next generation.

In fact, religion should be one of the main pillars that would support our younger generation as they turn into the leaders of tomorrow.

The inculcation of moral values in our children, regardless of the religion they follow, is very important. Religious leaders, places of worship, parents and teachers have a major role to play in this regard.

Moreover, they should be taught about the four major religions, apart from the three languages. This will help break down all barriers that now impede inter-communal harmony. They will also develop a healthy respect for the practices and rituals of each religion.

This Christmas, we must resolve to forget all petty differences and march together for the uplift of our Nation. Religious, ethnic and cultural diversity is the key to our prosperity and unity. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity ! (Ps. 133:1)