Oh it’s Christmas!

Come December, it is time to rejoice. After Thanksgiving, it is Christmas. A time for jubilation, a time for gaiety. A season to love, a season to give. It is the time for kind deeds.

Fund raisers, charity bazaars, bake sales and concerts, these are many. Proceeds of which are showered on the less fortunate, gifts bestowed on the less privileged, with a generosity that befits the season.

Homes washed and painted afresh,tall Christmas trees unpacked and decorated to dazzle. Boughs of holly strung in hallways, the star hung over the entrance way, it’s twinkling light far reaching and beckoning, lending warmth to the winter night.

Nativity scenes fashioned most ingeniously, each more exquisite, so lifelike, you can well nigh hear, the cattle lowing . The sweet strains of angelic singing, by carol singers braving the cold, reminiscent of that glorious night, two thousand years ago.

The air filled with the aroma of baking of mouthwatering cakes and cookies. Dishes prepared with secret family recipes, passed down for generations. A culinary extravaganza at its best and the envy of most renowned chefs.

Family members from far and near, take a break from their hectic lives, come together for the season. Putting aside their disagreements , burying their differences, they gather to celebrate, the birth of The Prince of Peace .

Attending church, the midnight mass, a Christmas tradition that none will pass. Churches festooned with streamers and bright lights, throw open their doors to welcome all, as both,the devout and the doubtful flock in to worship the Lord of All Creation.

Followed by a day of feasting and fun, with the table laden heavy and creaking. The sound of laughter and merrymaking, cheerful chatter all around. Joy, peace and companionship, reigning everywhere, in all homes.

It is with some sadness we come, to the end of the Yuletide season. Returning to our busy existence, we soon forget those joyous moments. But deep within remains, the warmth of the blessed season, taking us through another year, until the next Christmas.

Through the festivities we learn, that the greatest gift of all is, not what comes wrapped or tied with a bow, but the happiness that stems from our selfless love for each other. We learn it is more gratifying to give, than it is to receive. Is this not the teaching of our Saviour Jesus Christ, whose birth we commemorate ?