Each one of us, without a shadow of a doubt, is anticipating a joyful and memorable Christmas, and this year is no exception. Regardless of your beliefs, gender, race, or cultural background, this is the ideal moment to unwind and pause from hectic work, rejuvenate from the stresses of the year, and look forward to relishing special times with loved ones and friends.
Children will be filled with happiness, expecting to receive lots of Christmas presents. Christmas is the season to reconnect with family and friends you rarely see. Nonetheless, we should not forget to reflect and thank “HIM” for all the blessings and prosperity we savoured this year. Above all these Christmas festivities, we should all be aware that the true essence of Christmas is the birth of Jesus Christ.
History of Christmas
There is no reference in the Bible as to the exact date of the birth of Jesus Christ. It was in the 4th century in Europe that Christmas was celebrated. The church established the 25th of December as the birth of Christ to coincide with Roman activities and to align with the existing pagan Winter Solstice festival during the reign of Emperor Constantine.
Christmas was first celebrated in Rome on December 25th, 336 AD. It became a major Christian festival in the High to Middle Ages (1000 to 1300 AD). Germany in the 16th century started the modern traditions of decorating evergreen trees. Later, in the 19th and 20th centuries, artists Thomas Nast and Haddon Sundblom were responsible for the visual creation of the white-bearded Santa in a red suit known today as Santa Claus.
Reasons for Celebrating
There are many reasons we gather during this season:
- Remembering the birth of Jesus Christ.
- Family and friends bonding.
- Time for reflection on the year.
- Joyous gift-giving to loved ones and friends.
- An opportunity for different cultures to showcase their Christmas celebrations.
- Reflection on our Christian values.
- A good break from the hectic schedules of the year.
- To dissect and analyse personal growth.
- Forgiveness and reconciliation to make peace with yourself and others.
These are only a handful of reasons for celebrating. This Christmas, think mindfully of those people who find this season difficult: those who are sick or suffering from mental illness, the homeless, families who are financially struggling to give presents to their loved ones, and families devastated by natural calamities who have lost everything.
Suffice it to mention as well the people in war-torn countries, soldiers who are still in battle zones serving their nations, and the OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) who are away from their loved ones; this Christmas may be sorrowful for them. This is the chance to support them. Dig deep in your pocket and donate to charities helping people in need and those less fortunate than us. Let us pray for these people and wish that their burdens and difficulties will be eased, and that they find hope and peace this coming festive season.
I also firmly believe that Christmas is not only about joy and festivities but also a time to practice “Love and Forgiveness.” It is a season to make peace with others, especially those who have offended you. As mentioned in the Bible, Matthew 6:14-15: “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Heavenly Father will not forgive your sins.”
Indeed, this is a stark reminder for all of us that Love, Empathy, and Forgiveness should always reign in our hearts, not only this Christmas season but always.
Happy and Safe Christmas to All.
(Excerpt from my book “Reflective Contemplations”)
Happiness
Happy are those who can forgive
Because they will find peace
Within and others
Happy are those who stay connected with “HIM”
It is the only way to eternal salvation
Happy are those who are willing to share
And help others
Because they can make a difference
In this troubled world we live in
Happy are those who can love
And accept people
Because they will be able to love and be loved
Lorna Ramirez | www.lornasbook.com
