The Christmas season, a time of celebration and sharing,
is filled with joy, laughter, light and music. It is a celebration
of the birth of Christ, partly as an expression of Christian beliefs
around the World, but more so, as a time of giving and sharing for
all.
With the frenzied pace of commerce and communication
in the 21st century, the Christmas season is often reduced to a ritual
of rushing to retail stores and the Internet to purchase last-minute
gifts for relatives, friends and co-workers, to make sure that everyone
on one's gift list is accounted for. However, such commercialism distracts
from the true meaning of Christmas, which is really to celebrate a
gift to humankind - the gift of an Enlightened Being who gave hope
and salvation to the world over 2000 years ago.
I can remember as a child in church seeing the assembly
of choirboys with their lit candles singing Christmas carols in melodious
voices, which sent me to celestial realms. Their voices were so pure
and beautiful that they made my spirit soar to the heavens, and their
candle flames danced in the darkness like little "spirit lights,"
as the atmosphere was filled with joyful celebration. This is what
Christmas meant for me - a highly uplifting celebration of spirituality.
For each of us, the Christmas season may have different
meanings, perhaps a vacation from work, a time to connect with family,
a rushed flight to get closer to loved ones or a reminder to go shopping.
Whatever the case may be, I always like to remember the good feeling
the holiday brought me as a child, and try to maintain the original
spirit of Christmas by making it a time of celebration, joy, giving
and sharing. For example, many times I have tried to bring happiness
during the holiday season by joining a group to sing Christmas carols
for the sick and elderly. At times I have also done singing from door
to door to bring cheer to families. Any small act that can uplift
others' spirits is more meaningful than an expensive gift.
Now that Master has come into this World, the Christmas
season is especially significant for me. The joy and happiness generated
by Her love give a deeper meaning to all holiday celebrations. Lights
shine more brightly, music sounds sweeter, and love and goodwill seem
more significant. My sincere wish is that all can discover Master
and share Christmas in this spiritual way.
