Celebrating the essence of Christmas : Understanding the true spirit
- The Sangai Express Editorial :: December 25, 2014 -

25th December. Christmas, the birthday of Jesus Christ who came to this world more than 2000 years back to save mankind.

This is the belief of Christians and whether one shares this belief or not, it should be clear to all that Christmas is a day celebrated not only by Christians but all cutting across religious and community divides.

Perhaps this is where the real beauty of Christmas lies and Manipur too will join the rest of the world in celebrating the day.

An indication that Christmas has become more and more secular down the years, but yet at the same time it would be for the good of mankind to remember that Christmas cannot be totally divested of the teachings and principles of Jesus Christ.

A question which all Christians in Manipur should ask themselves sincerely is whether the day is celebrated as the birthday of the Lord, who came here to save mankind or whether it is just another day for celebration.

Christians for just one day in a year and anything for the rest of the year does not exactly fit in with the understanding of Christmas.

If only this bare, minimum truth register in the minds of the people, particularly the Christians then it would go a long way in addressing the issues of mankind.

Time for everyone, particularly the believers of Jesus Christ to question themselves whether they are bringing a good name to their religious beliefs or whether the beliefs are being used to justify their acts of commission and omission.

This question should stand true for all religious beliefs but right that this question should be raised on this day.

This is not a religious discourse or even an attempt to understand religion but an observation that perhaps the time is opportune for everyone to search their soul.

This would do justice to the spirit of observing and celebrating Christmas. Let the goodness of mankind flow and let it be clear to all that religious beliefs or practices cannot be divisive forces.

The true essence of Christmas will lie in admitting and acknowledging that religion should bring all men closer and not cause them to drift apart.

Foster love, understanding and forgiveness and that would make the celebration of Christmas all that more appealing and profound in today’s world which is divided by numerous man made walls.

It is a special day and it is only right that all should join hands together to promote the finer aspects of the teachings and principles of Jesus Christ.

Make Christmas meaningful and this onus should not be taken up only by Christians but by all and this would be the ultimate salutation to Jesus Christ.

Wishing everyone a merry Christmas.