EDITORIAL: Remember the reason for the season
IT is exactly one week before Christmas and for many that means the last lap of shopping, baking and domestic preparations are being done as we head to the climax of the holiday festivities.
For others though, Christmas Day is not filled with joy. In fact, the spirit of Christmas may be lost on those who have just suffered through the death of a friend or family member, or those who have already lost someone and who find it difficult to cope during the holidays.
Cheerful music, colourful lights and an overabundance of happiness maximise a social connection for some people, but for others they simply serve to drive home the absence of a loved one and support the slide into depression.
There are also those who focus on financial hardships and lament their situations, especially on Christmas Day. For them, joy and cheer are not to be found until Barbados’ economy has turned around and income increases and expenses decline.
Give selflessly
Yes, there are thousands of people in this country and for each one of them Christmas will have a different meaning. It will either be a time to celebrate, or a time to lament. Yet, for Christians and those who believe in God and Jesus Christ, Christmas Day will be a time to rejoice, for it is on this day that they say the Saviour of the human race, and the world as we know it, was born.
As the story goes, Jesus was a gift from God who loved us so much that He gave us His most precious gift, His son. God gave selflessly, and His son also – performing miracles and acts of kindness throughout his lifetime. This theme of selflessness should be acknowledged and emulated by all.
People need to think of others and not always of themselves. Ironically, by doing so one may find that one’s personal problems do not seem so overbearing.
Hence, everyone should try to give by showing charity, kindness and compassion to others all year round, especially in light of the current economic climate. Also, consider other people’s plight and seek to give emotional support however possible.
Get back to basics
As we get ready to usher in Christmas this year, get back to the basics. Reflect on the origin of Christmas and why it is celebrated. Teach youngsters the lessons to be learned from the Bible story and show them, by example, that Christmas is not all about materialism.
Go to church and not only listen to the sermon, but get to know your brothers and sisters in the congregation as well. So, to everyone in Barbados and those around the world, Merry Christmas to all. Let peace and love reign!