Christmas is here ! Are you ready?

Vermini Sanasam *

Christmas fever in and around Imphal areas with illuminated stars :: Pix - Ashok /Gnet

It's that time of the year again! Yes! Christmas is here! In a few days time, there will be stars adorning many houses, trees decorated with twinkling lights in a sea of brightly colored packages, Christmas Carols and cakes, gifts pouring in and out, Christmas parties, feasts, et al. But do you really think all these define Christmas ? No. Not really. None of these elements capture the real meaning of Christmas.

They are mere outcomes, responses to the commercialisation culture that distorts the real spirit of Christmas. It's not about buying gifts for your loved ones, it's not about feasts and the other unnecessary expenditures. Why not save up all the money for such outward manifestations and give it to the needy ? Indeed, you will be blessed ! If we really ponder on the very question why we celebrate Christmas, we will only get one final conclusion.

We celebrate Christmas to remind ourselves of our Savior's arrival here on earth. We celebrate Christmas because it was on this very day, 2000 years ago Jesus Christ came to earth to redeem us! Oh what a historic, glorious day!

God gave His only begotten Son Jesus Christ to be a blessing to mankind. The question is, what will you give to Him? We read in the Scriptures, a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favour rests." (Luke 2:14). This Christmas, we need to glorify God and thank Him to the highest level through our giving and celebration.

This is a season when we have a tendency to buy new cloths, new shoes, and foods and so on. Every individual in the family buy lots of different things for their own. Expenditures are so high during this season that even shops and shopping malls boom with business. Of course, it's not wrong to buy new shoes and dresses. But most of these amount up to unnecessary expenditures. But have you ever thought about the others who are in need? Why not give it to them? You will be blessed!

God desires us to help those in need. God wants a small portion of heavy expenditure be given to the poor, orphans and those in need. Indeed you will be a blessed person. If you are doing that, you are glorifying God through your wealth. Now, my question is, are you willing to do that? If not, please remind yourselves of Our Lord's word which says it is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35). Taste the peace of God in your heart this Christmas.

The Prince of Peace came to this world to give peace to His people. Have we truly accepted His peace? Or to put it another way round, is there truly peace in this world? The answer is negative. Mankind is desperately trying to free himself from all struggles and strives. But the pity is that he is not able to. This is the reason why God gave His only begotten son, Jesus Christ to grant us peace through salvation.

Without God and without accepting Christ as one's personal savior in this life, it is impossible for a man to attain this peace. For "salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).

If our fellow brothers have this peace in their hearts, they are worthy to celebrate Christmas. This Christmas, let us remember the goodness of our God who gave His only begotten son, Jesus Christ to save us from our sins. Let us ask ourselves this important question, what will you gives to God in turn? This Christmas, let us contemplate the reason why Jesus was born. Let us celebrate Christmas with humility, and with the sole aim to glorify God in all we do.

Lastly but not the least, we the United Christian Women Manipur (UCWM) appeal to all to pray for our state, Manipur. Our state has witnessed innumerable events ranging from the positive to the negative. But what is saddening is that the negative seems to be heavier. Our Manipuri society needs numerous transformations. We, the United Christian Women, Manipur appeal to all our brothers and sisters, fellow citizens of our state, Manipur to join hands in unison.

Let us pray for our leaders, especially the state officials so that they will be honest and fearless in the dispensation of their duties. Let us also pray for all the communities residing in our state so that they live in communal harmony. Only when God intervenes, our society will transform and prosper. Wishing everyone a joyous and meaningful Christmas! Amen.