‘Many merry Christmas’s, friendships, great accumulation of cheerful recollections, affection on earth, and Heaven at last for all of us.’
–English novelist, Charles Dickens
A happy and merry Christmas to all Christian friends and happy holidays to the others.
How time flies!
For Christians, it’s time to reflect on their faith and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Do you know that the word ‘Christmas’ comes from the Mass of Christ, a service where Christians remember that Jesus died and came back to life.
Yes, Christmas is a time when Christians celebrate God’s love for the world through the birth of the Christ child, Jesus.
Many will be attending Christmas Eve Masses in churches tonight. Those who cannot do so will attempt to attend Masses in the churches tomorrow.
Christmas is also a time to foster togetherness and family bonding, spreading the message of love and compassion and promoting peace and unity.
For instance, Imperial Hotel Kuching recently hosted a Christmas buffet for 30 students from SK Sibu Jaya, Sibu. It also gave them ‘back to school’ gifts.
The event coincided with the school’s ‘Explorasi Sarawakku Sayang’ from Dec 16-19 which allowed the students to visit various places such as Sarawak Cultural Village, Petrosains, Waterfront Kuching, Borneo Cultures Museum and Jong Crocodile Farm.
I’m sure many of the students will treasure memories of the school visits, particularly the Christmas food tasting at Imperial Garden Restaurant for a long time to come. Hopefully, the visits will spur them to study harder and excel in their studies for a better future.
In the last few days, celebrants, too, have been rushing home for Christmas. As a result, planes and buses to various places in the state have been fully booked.
Because of the increased costs of living, many Christians have indicated they will just have a simple but merry Christmas celebration this year.
As I was driving to work early yesterday afternoon, the lyrics of a Christmas song struck me. And they went like this: “ So this is Christmas. What have you done?”
My personal reply to the lyrics is “A lot.”
You see, for the past one year, first and foremost, I have tried my best to be a good Christian. Though I have not been to Masses since the COVID-19 pandemic began three years ago, I have tried my best to follow online Masses and dropped by at a church whenever I could.
I have also tried my best to help those who are less fortunate than me either in cash or kind. Along the way, many kind people have helped me, too, in my job and personally. I guess what you give out comes around. That you reap what you sow.
I have tried my best to be a good co-worker and a team member in the office. I’ve tried to be kind to everybody and share any extra food I have. My colleagues, too, have been kind to me and have also shared their blessings with me.
As a mother and mother-in-law, I have tried my best to gently guide, teach and advice my son, daughter-in-law and nephews and nieces. I have stressed to them the importance of filial piety, the virtue of exhibiting proper love and respect for their parents, elders and ancestors.
Members of my family are scattered throughout Malaysia while a few work in Singapore. But when we meet, family gatherings are a must. Besides catching up with each other, we take pictures that will create lasting memories and deepen our emotional connections at these gatherings.
Yesterday, my niece, Chai Hong, shared an old Christmas photo she took with her late grandmother and some of us. We were all wearing Santa hats in the picture. A nephew who saw the picture said he missed the old lady.
Do you know that research suggests that young people who have strong family connections are more likely to reach out, get better education and jobs?
Since I’m working until late at night, I’m forced to turn down at least two Christmas gatherings today.
Tomorrow, I will be busy catching up and creating lasting memories with my son, his wife and son as well as a nephew and his family.
My friends, while making merry, let us bear in mind the recent nationwide surge of COVID-19 cases. Let us continue to be vigilant against the spread of the virus by taking preventive measures like wearing a face mask in public, avoiding crowded areas and taking the COVID-19 vaccine.
Once again, my friends, a happy and merry Christmas to you all.
