Light of Christ illuminates the world as we celebrate his birth in a manger

On this Christmas eve, our attention turns from the political drama that has captivated the nation, to a universal event – the commemoration of the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

His birth more than 2000 years ago was no ordinary. He was born in humble surroundings, in a manger. He was the son of God, the only begotten of the Father in Heaven, who made the ultimate sacrifice and gave his life to atone for all the sins of humankind.

His death on the cross was the culmination of his mission on earth to save us. If it wasn’t for his atoning sacrifice, his birth would have been just another birth. But this was a special birth.

The boy Jesus was to grow up as an exemplar for the young and old. According to the Holy Bible, he grew in stature and wisdom.

In the 30 plus years he lived, he devoted his time and energy to teaching the people his gospel of love, peace, compassion, forgiveness instead of retribution. He visited the downtrodden and rejects of society, mended wounded hearts, healed the sick and fed the hungry.

The power behind his legacy has driven men, women and children to commemorate his birth. His humility and strength of character made him and still makes him the spiritual giant that millions around the world revere and worship.

In the hustle and bustle of this Christmas festive season let’s try to emulate his life of service to humanity. It would bring to life the real meaning of Christmas.

There are many of our fellow Fijians who would need love and attention – the sick and afflicted. If we can reach out to them, we would make Jesus happy, and it would be the best gift we would give him on his birthday.

Many of us may be still caught up in the post-election fever. This is a good time to have a break and ponder the spirit of Christmas. Its therapeutic impact will help us recover from the stress of the sometimes-bitter political conflicts.

To those who have been elected and will go into Government or Opposition – if they want to give of their best in the service to their country – then they must allow the spirit of Christ to light their way in the next four years. Christ’s template, consistent with the spirit of Christmas, will lay the foundation of peace, stability and progress.

When he called his disciples and ordained his 12 apostles, one of the qualities he saw was they were persons without guile. At least that was what he found in apostle Nathaniel (John chapter 1, Holy Bible). To be without guile is to be free of deceit, cunning, hypocrisy and dishonesty.

In the words of the wise, the person without guile is a person of innocence, honest intent and pure motives. The person’s life reflects the simple practice of conforming daily thoughts and actions to principles of integrity.

Jesus Christ himself was without guile, and because he is the son of God, many people try to follow him as a role model.

For the 55 members of Parliament elected in the recent election, the onus is on them to emulate his example if they want to be effective in their service.

They need to carry with them the spirit of Christmas as they begin their parliamentary term. But that does not apply just to them. It includes all of us.

As we go through Christmas let’s not forget its real purpose – that is we will light up our nation with Christ’s spirit through pure service to those in need.

Nemani Delaibatiki

Feedback: nemani.delaibatiki@fijisun.com.fj