Ding, Dong, Ding Dong, it’s the most wonderful time of the year, is the first line of one of the Christmas carols that heralds the arrival of the Christmas season. Christmas, as all of us know, came into existence in the cradle of Christianity but in recent times has spread its festivities beyond religious origins, in that it has become secular. While people might enthral in the extravaganza with commercial messages like “Happy Holidays”, “We wish you a Merry Christmas”, “Season’s Greetings”, the core message of Christmas of God’s love to humanity remains the same. The feeling is awesome, but the amazing aspect is how hope makes people forget their challenges and ushers them into this yuletide.
The past celebrations evoke vivid memories of childhood and family traditions. Such traditions not only give meaning to festive days but also teach the importance of giving, sharing, and living in peace and harmony with families and everyone around us.
Christmas is all about the birth of Jesus Christ, which was a consequence of the Incarnation. It means the Word of God became flesh and dwelt among humans on earth to establish the kingdom of love, hope and joy. This message is a testimony of God’s covenant to rescue the world as it was dwelling in chaos and sin. It resonates every year with the humility of the Bethlehem stable as a focal theme where Jesus was born to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Our lives and homes get engrossed with activities as we embark on the preparations. Christmas decorations and cribs emerge in marketplaces setting the tone for the festive spirit. As minds and feelings grapple with anticipation of new beginnings, people get overwhelmed by the demands of the festive season to overstretch their budgets.
To most Christians, especially the Catholics, the final weeks of the year leading to Christmas are called the Advent. Advent is referred to as the coming of Lord Jesus Christ, a servant of humanity. Christians commemorate His birth on the 25th of December and anticipate His second coming as the creator of the universe.
It’s a time for reflection. To those Christians who seriously care about the coming of their Lord, the season is a renewal of faith. They prepare for it by fasting and prayerful readings from the scriptures called the Bible. It’s also a time for introspection and giving up a sinful life. Transgressions are confessed through the lips and commitments made to embrace transformation. Such changes strengthen friendships and awaken people to see the goodness in others.
Virtues give full bloom to the Christmas spirit as people express love and indulge in acts of kindness selflessly without expecting anything in return. Such acts strengthen relationships, leading to peace and harmony in the surrounding environment.
This period is also marked by illuminating four candles, each on the four Sundays leading to Christmas. Placed on a wreath, they symbolise the themes of hope, peace, joy and love. These themes are intertwined, focusing on Jesus bringing light into the world to illuminate humanity’s path.
The first candle lit on the first Sunday represents hope for the coming of the Messiah. It is also known as the Prophet’s candle, as the prophets foretold His birth.
The second candle symbolises peace and is called the Bethlehem candle, lit on the second Sunday of Advent. The angels sang, “Peace on earth, goodwill to men, today is born a King for all mankind”. It’s a reminder that the Christ child brings peace into the turbulent world to cease hatred, oppression and conflicts.
The third candle, representing joy, is called the Shepherd’s candle, lit on the third Sunday of Advent. Shepherds were filled with joy on hearing the good news of the Messiah’s birth, which they soon passed on to others.
The fourth candle, known as the Angel’s candle, represents God’s love for humanity proclaimed by the angels at the birth of Jesus.
As Christmas fervour reaches its climax, Christmas carols are played in homes, sung in churches and street venues. Christmas carols are songs of joy heralding the love of nativity and memories of glorious mysteries unfolded at that time. They emphasise the importance of valuing human connection and therefore evoke feelings to do the best with the time we have on our journey to redemption.
Children enthusiastic about Christmas belt out, “Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle all the way”, and eagerly await the arrival of Santa Claus. Although the cheerful Santa Claus distributes sweets to the children, his grandeur captures the hearts and minds of everyone around, adding charm to the wonderful ambience. With excitement, children unwrap the presents placed beneath the Christmas tree. Mesmerising sights unfold wherever people go. Most families unite by exchanging gifts and messages of goodwill. Savouring delicious meals with family and friends partly culminates the celebrations.
Three Wise Men from the Orient, known as the “Magi”, hold deep significance symbolising one of the first revelations of Jesus to the world. These men arrived at King Herod’s palace to inquire about the newborn King. Following the yonder star, they traversed and found Jesus in a stable placed in a manger. They offered Him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. The gifts signified that Jesus was a King, God and sacrifice.
The love, laughter and gratitude of this yuletide, carried year-round, remind everyone to act as beacons of light in the darkness of others and to make this world a better place to live in.
