A RETREAT TO SPIRIT FILLED CHRISTMAS

PART I

How perfect are the deeds of God, how dependable His words! He is like a shield for all those who seek His protection. The Lord alone is God; God alone is our defence. He is the God who makes me strong, who makes my path safe. He makes me sure-footed as a deer; He keeps me safe on the mountains. He trains me for battle, so that I can use the strongest bow. O Lord, You protect me and save me; your care has made me great, and your power has kept me safe.   (Psalms 18)

May the God of KLWC, grant the readers an atmosphere filled with love, joy and mutual trust, throughout this Christmas season.

A family is the basic foundation of a community and most ancient human movement. Though officially we have many public holidays round the year, a day granted by our Creator, exclusively to tighten the knots of a Christian family is the birth-day of the King of Peace.

But this truth and realization gets covered by the dust of the hustle and bustle of the daily toil of our life. 

When a child is born to a couple, the foundation of their race gets firmly established. The day is dedicated and celebrated by parents and everyone in the family to welcome the arrival of the little one.

This Christmas season take some time out of your hectic schedule to meditate about the infant and his life situations.

It was only after his engagement to Mary, did Joseph realize that she was pregnant by the power of the Holy Spirit. Joseph, being a just and noble man, decided to break off the engagement secretly. However, while he was thinking about this an angel of the Lord appeared and said, “Joseph, a descendant of David, do not hesitate to accept Mary as your wife.” …..And Joseph without any doubt accepted Mary as his wife. (Matthew 1:18)

When Joseph received the news that Virgin Mary was pregnant by the Holy Spirit, he was totally amazed, but when he was comforted by the Heavenly power, Joseph obeyed the Sovereign God’s message to be with Mary and safeguard her always.

Here let us analyze the situation of the Holy Family contrast to that of ours. Even the poorest of the poor have a tiny dwelling to call their home and give birth to their child in it. As far as we are concerned, we are surrounded by the best medical assistance, doctors, specialists appointed readily. Nowadays, how much ever comfort God provides us, we parents and our children can never quit our whimper and grumbling.

However the birth place of the first child of the first Holy Family, who is peace of every family, the Infant Jesus was born in an ordinary manger. Dry hay which is the fodder for the cattle was the bed for the Prince of Heaven to lay. The little Jesus who is the cornerstone of the family had a more discomfort life.

The first visitors to the new born child were some poor shepherds, who got the heavenly message while watching their flocks that freezing night. When they arrived at the Holy Nativity, they saw the child sleeping peacefully, wrapped in swaddling clothes, devoid of any warm garment. They also visualized his mother sitting gracefully engrossed in God’s love amidst the poverty and Joseph in great patience, courageously safeguarding the mother and child.

The arrival of the three wise men and their adoration to the Holy King, created  splendid atmosphere of lordship and grandeur to the King of Kings. 

Dear devotees, this is the Christmas that we ought to celebrate.

But how do our Christmas celebrations begin and end?

The star, tree, decorations, sweets even the crib that could be handmade by the members of the family, are being included in the shopping lists.

All this purchases are being a replacement for the blessed togetherness of the family, the sacrifices and the valuable inputs and discussions for the arrival of the Holy King.

The competition for the best crib and the Christmas tree awarded by the community also snatches away the reverence of Christmas.

Wearing the latest trend, shopping the most up-to-date gadget, renovating the house etc. without spiritual preparations, shrinks the richness of the real Holy Nativity.

Some like to immerse themselves in the Spirit of Christmas by throwing a banquet of the finest meat and drinks for those who are ready to dance to their tune; eat and drink till each one is out of their senses!

Another fraction of people who indulge in indecent acts and visit clubs are also not very few.

Are we not misusing the holy word ‘Christmas’?

                                                                                                            (to be continued…)

With Love Filled Blessings

Your Sister in Christ