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Christmas messageChristmas symbolises peace and hope for humankind. The child born in Bethlehem brings peace to the humanity. "Christ is our peace." Christ, the babe in the manger restores dignity to human beings and brings hope to those who are in despair. He has come to heal life’s wounds and to restore human dignity. The word peace in the Bible is translated from the Hebrew word shalom. It means the absence of war and conflict and signifies the presence of harmony, reconciliation and justice. The New Testament, which uses the word shalom more than 100 times, tells about the peace Christ brings. How does the message of peace and hope that Christmas brings resonate with the realities of the present day world? We live in a world of hate and destruction. Acts of terrorism are increasing day by day. The number people affected by HIV/AIDS are not decreasing. Poverty, unemployment, corruption and different forms of violence are creating havoc on individuals and communities. Jesus was born to bring peace and justice to a world torn apart by wars and conflicts. The prince of peace came to demolish "the dividing wall of hostility." (Eph 2:14). He has come to set the captive free and to liberate the oppressed from all unjust structures. We need Christi's peace and hope in this world where people and nations are burdened with socio-economic and political problems. We need self-emtying love of Christ to bring about a society that is just and humane. We hope for a day when wars and terrorism will end and when peoples and nations will live in unity, justice and freedom. Peace comes from the presence of God. Jesus said: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives" (John 14:27). We as individuals and communities can promote peace when we are at peace with God and within ourselves. When there is such peace dwelling among us, there can be hope of building communities of peace for all people in the world, especially for those who are marginalised and broken. Setting up a manger in our homes to celebrate the birth of Christ is customary. But the real birth of Jesus should happen in our hearts and minds everyday. It means being at peace with God, with oneself and with others. It means a conviction and commitment for building communities of peace. May we rededicate during this Christmas to work toward building communities of peace, based on love, hope and justice. Wish you all a joyous and meaningful Christmas. Prawate Khid-arn posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, December 06, 2005 |
