May this X’mas usher joy and happiness
Christmas is the major festival of the Christian community. Just as Hindus revere Diwali and Dussehra, likewise, Christmas holds reverence for the Christian community. The festival inspires us to follow the path of Jesus Christ and adopt his doctrine. Each year, Christmas is celebrated on December 25, as it was on this holy night that Lord Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem.
Jesus Christ, like all other messengers of God, did not believe in discrimination between caste, creed and sex. Hence, in India, Christmas is celebrated with pomp and spectacle not just by Christians, but even people of all castes enjoy the festival by cutting the traditional cake and having fun and partying.
The festival is celebrated in the memory of Lord Jesus Christ who was born in a poor carpenter’s hut. His birth is a miracle as the Lord Almighty chose Virgin Mary to bear a son! In the annals of history, a child was born without a woman conceiving through a man!! Hence, people raised eyebrows and protested but, to everybody’s astonishment, Baby Jesus spoke from his cradle, “I am the son of God!!!” Thus, God had sent him to save the people from sin and misery. He saved them and died on the Cross for them. Jesus lived a life of nobility as he helped the poor and the underprivileged. He served the sick and the ailing and even the untouchable lepers. Thus, this festival teaches us to live a noble life of prayer, love and sacrifice. It teaches us to love the poor and our neighbours and to value love and sacrifice. Kill jealousy, hatred and selfishness and spread love and peace amongst humanity is the important message of Christmas.
Jesus taught his disciples the truth of life. His preaching included loving Gold, never lying and never running after greed. He asked his disciples to do their duty with honesty and sincerity and always help the poor and deprived.
On Christmas Day, the entire family gets together around the Christmas tree. They all pray and ask Lord Jesus for a prosperous and merry Christmas. Christians decorate their houses with attractive lights and lend a festive touch. Most Christians drink a little wine on this day. They enjoy dancing and music very much. They dance in pairs, holding hands. On Christmas Eve, everybody attends the midnight mass in the church. Children sing Christmas carols. Everybody prays that they may lead a happy life in the coming year.
They cook delicious food to make the day exciting and memorable. Santa Claus, the fat and grand old man, gives toys to the children because Jesus Christ loved children a lot. It is believed that Santa comes to every house in the night and gives gifts to the children. Children eagerly wait for Santa to fulfil their wish. They also write their wish, keep in stockings and hang it outside, hoping Santa will fulfil their wish.
Even in India, Christmas is celebrated with harmony, thus breaking the social barriers of communal differences.
Home Times wishes all its readers A Merry Christmas!!!
