Christmas is one of the most cherished times of the year! Throughout the world, people anticipate its celebration with colorful festivities that take on varied expressions in different cultures.
It is a time in which the beautiful sounds of carols soothe our ears and hearts. It is a time in which our eyes are mesmerized by delightful decorations and the gleam of twinkling lights. It is a time in which all kinds of gifts are generously and joyfully exchanged. It is a time of beauty, unity, and hope.
For Christians, the spirit of this time is particularly understandable since Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
Christians believe that Jesus, the Word through whom all good things were made, took on flesh and came into the world to reveal the fullness of beauty, unity and hope which is always in our midst, but which our eyes are often clouded from seeing. Jesus came to shed light on the goodness of our existence. Consequently, Jesus is regarded as the light of the world!
May the reality of Christmas therefore serve us well! As the light in the afternoon grows day by day beyond Christmas, may the light of our vision also grow so we may all cherish the beauty, unity and hope that is already ours and allow the spirit of this time to enhance it.
To people of all creeds, countries, and cultures here in our local community, may this Christmas be for you, your loved ones and for us all, a great time of light – a time to celebrate the blessings which are uniquely ours.