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Journalism of Courage
Speaking about Christmas, Hamilton Mabie rightly remarked, 8220;Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love!8221; Truly, the Christmas is a 8216;divine conspiracy8217; to capture everyone in the embrace of God8217;s love. The soul of Christmas is not Christmas tree, Santa Claus, carols, not even the crib. These are excellent symbols, but the real spirit of Christmas is people experiencing the outpouring of God8217;s love in Jesus Christ, the 8216;God with us8217;.
The birth of Jesus, which we celebrate at Christmas, baffles many. The fact that God chose to be born of a woman bemuses some, arouses awe in others. Babes and children generate in people certain feelings of love and tenderness. So does the Babe of Bethlehem. However, Christmas has a more profound message.
The first Christmas took place neither in a temple nor in a palace, but in a manger. Hence, Christmas is a time to look for God in unlikely places and persons. Normally, people go to holy centres to seek God. Christmas urges us to discover Him in those who are least, last and lost. Christmas points out that one can truly find God if one looks in the right places: in the streets, in slums, in orphanages, even in our own home and workplace. Christmas asks us a tough question: is there a place for God who is looking for a place to dwell amidst people? It reminds us that we need to respect each human life.
As it was said, 8220;Christmas began in the heart of God, and it will complete only when it reaches the hearts of all men and women!8221; It is to surrender to the 8216;divine conspiracy8217;. Until such time, happy Christmas to one and all!
