Merry Christmas — sincerely
From my heart, if you are reading this column, I wish you a very Merry Christmas. The simple fact I have written this column and you are reading it on this day is reason enough to be more than pleased. Seldom, if ever, has my column’s publication coincided rather with the festivities of the Nativity of Jesus. The coincidence should not be wasted.
Although I have never been a columnist who addresses religious issues, I am sure 2020 must be an extremely special celebration. Having reached this date despite the trials and travails of this year and the pandemic seems meaningful. We have been blessed with further purpose.
A few days ago I saw a message on social media that said that if one has food on the table and your family is alive, it was more than enough to celebrate Christmas. Another one indicated that the best gifts that can be received at this time are health, food and a roof to protect ourselves and our families. Although due to the coronavirus, many families have been forced to remain physically separated, spiritually we should be more united than ever. Comparatively, it is of little consequence if ( as I wrote on Thanksgiving) dinner goes perfectly, or if your home is properly equipped for the celebration, or if the clothes we wear are dressy enough.
Even though there are those who fervently wish to forget everything that happened this first year of the decade, 2020 cannot be dismissed. For many, Christmas will be celebrated in a hospital bed, while for others their loved ones will no longer be sitting at the table for the celebration.
I sincerely believe the teachings the Creator has left us this year should have given us greater spiritual strength and a sense of unity with our fellow men. Unfortunately this does not seem to be the case. Instead of having made us more resilient due to so many deaths, business closures, layoffs and several more, it seems that the virus has brought out the worst in some people. Calls to take shelter at home and avoid contagion as much as possible, even from our own friends and relative has been brushed aside.
My point is that the motive around Christmas, which is to celebrate the birth of the Savior of Christians, is still not the main emphasis for most people, despite trials in recent months that should have underscored the point for us. However, many remain more concerned with banalities such as that the dinner is excellent, that the houses are perfectly decorated and that the gifts are to the liking of our loved ones.
If that remains the case in our own homes, it means we have not learned anything from 2020. However, I trust many of our hearts have been moved to understand what is really important is to celebrate Jesus’ birth today in a spiritual way and in peace.
Again, from me and from the bottom of my heart, I wish you a very Merry Christmas.