The marketplace is multi-coloured and vibrant. The footpaths have a different look. The stars, the candies on the Christmas trees are swinging with the breeze; the red Topi is the center of attraction while a life size well dressed Santa Claus….oomph’s! Christmas is in the air! Christmas is here. The houses, churches and chapels glowing with attractive painting! The fences too have a facelift. The cloth and other shops – its big business time! The bazaar too resonates with carols; in the by lanes, streets and villages, the serenading has begun… joy is exuding all over and the message of Prophet Zephaniah, shout for joy and sing joyfully is felt deeply and it’s an occasion to relish it! In fact the Gaudete Sunday set the tone. It’s Time to rejoice and cry out with joy and gladness, for the Lord is at hand. The King of Israel, the Lord, is in our midst, we have no further misfortune to fear. On that day, it shall be said to each of us: Do not fear, beloved, do not be discouraged” Prophet Zephaniah communicates (cf. 3: 15-16).
The month of December can we call it a month of Delivery! Delivery because God delivers His promise through Mary – “a Son is born to us and He will be called Emmanuel”. It is the month where many gifts are delivered through courier, speed posts, Amazon…. and if you believe in/with faith many unexpected deliveries unveil and we are in awe and wonder….
When we await the arrival of the new born those who have had an experience will understand what I am trying to say! The excitement, emotions and the preparation that goes into it say from nappies to dresses and from toys to appliances. I have seen mothers with wool in their hands knitting…! Yes, not something similar but much more need to be the waiting for the arrival of the King of our Soul. The outside that glitters for the arrival is of not much significance, this would sum it up: “true change is within, leave the outside as it is”!
The message for this year’s Christmas is nothing new. For the Babe in the Stable brings Peace, Love, Joy, Hope… and all this will be ours if I wish the same for others what I wish for me.
Yes, the song of the Shepherds will ring in our ears when the Good News is proclaimed, when the captives are given liberty and the oppressed set free!!! May the true meaning of Christmas touch your heart and life!!! Happy Christmas!
