Remember the Christ child this Christmas
By George Abeyewickreme
Well over 2000 years ago a baby was born to a virgin named Mary, who was betrothed to a man named Joseph and this Baby is the One whom Christians call Jesus Christ. All Christians believe that He is the Son of God and on December 25 they recall His birth and give thanks to God for having sent His Beloved Son to redeem man from the slavery of sin.
It was a time when the paganist Roman Empire ruled the world and the Jews were subject to Roman administration and compelled to abide by their decrees. Therefore, when a census of the population at the time was ordered by Caesar Augustus, Mary, who was pregnant with child was compelled to go to Bethlehem with Joseph, the foster father of Jesus, because Joseph was of King David’s ancestry and hailed from Bethlehem.
One might think that Joseph being of king David’s lineage would have found accommodation at a relative’s home, but unfortunately there was no room even in the inn, which the inn keeper said was full and hence Mary, who was in labour was compelled to deliver her baby Jesus in a stable or cattle shed. How ironic that this event is celebrated by people with much gaiety and merry- making, not being aware of the true meaning of Christmas. Even today the many children who are born to mothers under the most despicable conditions are thrown into garbage disposables. Do we dare enjoy the birth of Jesus with revelry?
The baby Jesus was wrapped, not in finery but in swaddling cloth (strips of cloth), as the Evangelist describes. Shepherds were the first who were told by Angels of the birth of Jesus and they were the first to visit and pay homage to Him. Now, it is this birth that Christians the world over commemorate giving praise and glory to God. Their attempt is to make this world a better place to live in by forgiving each other and sharing their love for one another.
Today, the central figure of Jesus is replaced with an idol called Santa Claus. It is as if the Creator is replaced with the created. The figure of Santa was created after St Nicholas, a bishop of the Catholic church, who went out and helped all the poor. He shared whatever he had with those who were hungry and poor. In fact, he lived the commandment of love as preached by Jesus by sharing what he possessed.
Now this act of giving is emulated by the figure called Santa Claus. Parents use this figure to make children to do their bidding by threatening to inform Santa of any disobedience or bad behaviour. The child is told that Santa will come at midnight and give presents to good children, while it is the parents who give it. Taking it further, the commercial world has stepped in to illuminate and enhance the pagan spirit. Christmas trees, balloons, lights, bells and sleighs, a turkey etc are some of the many desires that are ordered and collected, over the generations, that has made Christmas what it is today. It is very rare to see a picture or crib of Baby Jesus or the Holy Family.
What is sad is that most of these pagan rituals are perpetuated by the Christians themselves, who believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of the living God, including the clergy.
It is time the church hierarchy took a good look around the world right now and compared it to the first Christmas and see where they have gone wrong and lead the people on the right path. It is never too late to change.
Jesus says “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” {JN:8;31-32)
The German Embassy has financed the purchase of a fluorescence microscope in support of the Kelaniya University’s Faculty of Medicine re-location and reestablishment of its Rickettsial Disease Diagnostics and Research Laboratory.
Rickettsial Disease, which carries a high mortality, is spread by ticks, mites, fleas and body lice and is present in both urban and rural areas.
The Rickettsial Disease Diagnostics and Research Laboratory has in the past supported the diagnosis and treatment of nearly 6,000 patients islandwide. As the lab had to be moved from one department to another for logistical reasons it was deprived of the use of valuable technical and human resources.
To mark World Hindi Day on January 10, 2018, an innovative islandwide photography and short film competition, “Alok Dhara” will be conducted by the High Commission of India, Colombo.
1) Photography competition with a caption/ title in Hindi. A photograph depicting any one of the following topics can be sent as an entry to the competition- Nature and Wild life; Monuments and Historical places; Portraits from daily life.
2) Short film competition (30 seconds) with subtitles or voice over in Hindi. The topic can be selected by the participant.
The competitions are open to all age groups. Please email entries to :worldhindiday2018@gmail.com on or before January 5. Once submitted, the entries may be used by the High Commission for any purpose, with due credit to the artists in future.
There are cash prizes to be won with a first prize of Rs. 30,000 in each competition.
For further details please contact: 0777 906226 / email:worldhindiday2018@gmail.com
The winners of these competitions will be awarded a certificate and cash prizes on January 10 during the World Hindi Day celebrations.