The Christmas Dream- wars to Wonderland – By Dr Joseph Perumal
“ Christmas is a season not only for rejoicing but of reflection”- Winston Churchill
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We live in a ‘Dark and Dangerous World!
With failed governments in Germany and France, expanding wars in the Middle East and increasing Russian aggression in Ukraine, these are uncertain times. Hence, this Christmas is a Season for Reflection. In the Globalised World we live in, these International events do have an impact on our lives. However, amidst this gloom there is optimism and reason to Rejoice too, which I will come to later.
It is impossible to fathom, how widely the ripples of anguish has spread, following the attack on innocent civilians and hostage taking, in Israel. The unbridgeable vacuum created by personal loss and direction in the lives of those affected by these tragic events, will haunt them for the rest of their lives. They will harbour immeasurable hatred, one of the most powerful human emotions. This in addition to the bombings in Gaza, has caused great sorrow and suffering, amongst civilians.
Billy Graham the late evangelist’s said,” Hatred is a sign of depravity of the Human Race”.
“In a world filled with hate, we must still dare to hope” –Michael Jackson
It is said, that, no time in history, was hatred more, than at the time of Jesus’ birth. It was a world beset by turmoil and distress – it was the period of the tyrannical rein of King Herod the great. Hence, it is the belief, that ‘God so loved the world, He sent His only begotten son, to save the World’. ( John 1, 2.10).
This signifies that the message of Christmas, is a message of God’s Love. This Glorious message of Love is key for the world today. Embracing such love, at this time of conflict, calls us to escape self- centeredness and has the potential to dispel hatred at this dark time and keep alive the ’Hope for World Peace ‘.
“Hope is being able to see there is Light, despite all the Darkness.” Desmond Tutu
In our society today, the conventional countdown to Christmas has already begun. Shop windows are displaying, gifts, toys and tinsel, cakes and sweetmeats, all illuminated by twinkling lights. For us,“ It’s beginning to look like Christmas , everywhere you go”! However, as we prepare for the festivities, we do have an obligation, to the people directly impacted by the events in the affected areas of the world. For them, there is no ‘Festive Merriment’ nor ‘Mistletoe and Wine’. No wandering through charming towns, dressed in their wintery best, nor streets lined with twinkling lights, bustling with lively Christmas markets. They may have survived, but still not safe. They live in fear, displaced, homeless and lonely, devoid of the basic necessities of life – shelter, food and medicines. Likewise, it is pertinent to remember those families who have recently lost a loved one to battle or illness, experiencing that inescapable void, this Christmas. For them, this Christmas is an ‘undecided mission’, as expressed by the mother of the girl who recently died of a rare form of muscle cancer.
Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus. It is the celebration of a new life that brings hope for a new beginning.
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We do know the message conveyed by the angels to the poor shepherds, tending their flock that night of the first Christmas.
“ Be not afraid, I bring you glad tidings”
Joy to the World, for, unto us is born a Saviour, His name is Jesus. Glory to God in the Highest, Peace on Earth and Goodwill to men”
This Christmas, our Hope must be that, Goodwill will prevail.
‘There is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in’ – Leonard Cohen
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This Candle symbolises the Hope, that, a crack will appear, to let in that ray of light to keep alive, the Hope for ‘Peace in the World’.
Amidst all the Worldwide Political uncertainty, wars and turmoil, there is Good News too, with reason to Rejoice and celebrate, this Christmas. The restored grandeur of the iconic Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris, is a sight to behold, admire and celebrate, for tourists and worshipers, alike. Then, the ousting of the murderous Assard regime in Syria and the seismic political change in our own country, Sri Lanka.
In Sri Lanka, our newly elected leaders, have an arduous journey ahead, in rebuilding the Nation. In their “ Mission’’ to herald a new era of political inclusivity and national unity, may our leaders be directed by the ‘Star’ that guided the three Wise Men ( The Magi). The Magi did experience many challenges during their long journey from the East. However, they did find and worshiped, the baby Jesus, born in Bethlehem, Let this moment be a turning point- a new beginning for our country too, where, Sri Lanka will have responsible governance, economic resilience and social harmony.
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“May the Peace and Joy of Christmas, remain with you all, in the New Year and always”
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The writer is Dr Remy Perumal, who is a retired Consultant Physician originally from Sri Lanka
