The Asian Age

MAY THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT LIVE FOREVER

Lady of Tarot Maanya Kohli contemplat­es upon the true meaning of Christmas

-

Christian evangelist t’s that time of year again — December, the coldest month of the year and the one that carries with it the warmth and joy of Christmas. But what is the true meaning of Christmas? Is it the gifts stacked neatly under the tree, the bright lights decking your homes, the greeting cards in the mail, dinners and parties with family and friends, the chill in the air, stockings hanging by the fireplace and singing of Christmas carols? Is this really Christmas? Etymologic­ally, the word “Christmas” is a combinatio­n of two words “Christ,” a title given to Jesus, and “mass” that means celebratio­n. In essence, Christmas simply is the celebratio­n of the birth of Jesus. God sent his son, Jesus, into the world to be born. John (3:16-17) says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” The true meaning of Christmas is the celebratio­n of this divine act of love. With this in mind, Christmas is a time of God showing his great love for humanity. It can be a time of healing and hope. Sure, enjoy the season but remember to rejoice as well!

My dear readers, I hope that, regardless of your religion or faith, you bring in the Christmas spirit into your lives. It’s the spirit of hope — hope of pardon, peace and love. It’s this hope that fills us with joy; spread this joy by giving gifts and sharing love. Be generous; donate your time or money to those who are not so privileged. The angels who appeared before the shepherds the night Jesus was born left them with this promise: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.” Let the love of God prevail in your hearts this Christmas season and let his love and peace flow through you to all the people in the world. Merry Christmas!

“Christmas is most truly Christmas when we celebrate it by giving the light of love to those who need it most.”

— Ruth Carter Stapleton,

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from India