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Christmas: Celebration of the Birth of Jesus Christ : Dr A F Pinto Chairman, Ryan Group of Institutions

Mumbai, Dec 24: The season of Christmas is one of the happiest times of the year around the world.  It’s a time of the year when we hear the timeless story of the birth of Jesus in a Bethlehem stable nearly 2,000 years ago.  At Christmas we celebrate love, joy, and togetherness.  It’s a season that reminds us of the importance of kindness, compassion, and gratitude. Christmas is the commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ who is the focal point of this celebration.  Jesus is the divine gift that manifests God’s love for humanity and the promise of salvation.  The Bible beautifully says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son Jesus, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” This is the central tenet of Christmas which often gets sidelined or diluted in the worldly Christmas celebrations or peripherals such as the Christmas tree, the Santa Clause and shopping.  While it is wonderful to celebrate Christmas with the exchange of gifts and visiting family and friends, it is relevant to understand that Christmas is the Celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, the gift of God to the whole world. God became one of us, a human being because of his saving love for each of us.  Jesus came to forgive our sins, reconcile us with God and give eternal life to all those who put their trust in Him.

Just as God gave His son Jesus, “giving” becomes the true source of Christmas Joy and when you share this joy it multiplies manifold.   In this context, Mother Teresa had beautifully said, “It is Christmas every time you let God love others through you…yes, it is Christmas every time you smile at your brother and offer him your hand.” Truly, Jesus is born every time we share God’s love with our fellow brothers and sisters.  In this turbulent world, the birth of Jesus and His message of love, joy and peace becomes truly relevant as it was said of Him, “He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”  Jesus Christ is “Emmanuel – God with us”.  He walks the path of life with each one of us even today, giving us hope that we can be happy if we love, give and forgive.

Let us make this Christmas special by receiving the gifts of love, joy and peace freely given by Jesus in our lives.  Let us spread the message of giving, sharing and caring for one another and receive true joy and peace in our lives.  Lao Tzu has wonderfully said, “Kindness in words creates confidence.  Kindness in thinking creates profoundness.  Kindness in giving creates love.” Let Jesus Christ be the reason for our celebration of Christmas this season.

Wish you all a Joyful Christmas and a Blissful New year 2025.