The Christian world will tonight celebrate the Birth of Jesus Christ. It is a time of great celebration, but it should also be a time for reflection.
Today, Christmas is becoming more of an occasion for partying and merry-making, than a time when people should re-focus on the spiritual meaning of the feast.
There are many good things about Christmas. It brings families closer to each other, at least on this particular day. Christmas allows people to relax and take time off from work, school and all that a hectic lifestyle demands, and to re-unite the family.
It is also a time when gifts are distributed and, although many would say that this is the result of a materialistic mentality, it is an opportunity to give something to those we love and a token of appreciation for others.
Christmas is also a time when differences are, or perhaps should be, put aside. It is an opportunity to build bridges and meet halfway. Unfortunately, there are many broken families. Christmas could be an opportunity to clear up any misunderstandings and to sort things out.
Of course, Christmas may be a difficult time for many. While some people celebrate and make merry, others might not feel the same spirit or joy. They might have lost a loved one in the previous months and this will be the first Christmas he or she will not be around to celebrate as well. Others might have had a bad year at work or their personal relationships suffered. Others may have lost their job. Then you find people who cannot afford to splash out on Christmas breakfast or a lavish lunch, or those who do not have a family or someone to spend the day with.
Others might not be spending Christmas with their loved ones because they are living or studying abroad. We should also spare a few thoughts for those who will be working on Christmas Day, doctors, nurses, bus drivers, even journalists, who are providing an essential services to the country. For many of these professions, there are no holidays at this time of the year.
Some just cannot bring themselves to celebrate and enjoy Christmas but prefer to spend Christmas alone. Some put on a smiling mask just for the sake of others, especially their children.
While the majority of us will be enjoying Christmas and tucking into a lovely meal with family and friends, we should spare a thought for those whose Christmas will be different or sad. Today, you might be in a situation when Christmas is a time of joy, but one day the situation might change and you might need the same help that these people need today.
It would be good if their Christmas is less cold than it appears to be. Sometimes, just a word or the ability to listen might already change things round.
Let us remember that the true spirit of Christmas is not the money that will be spent on gifts and meals, but the ability to try to understand others.
It is not the wine, but the time you will find to spend with people who are important to you but whom you have ignored throughout the year.
It is neither the turkey, but the cheque that you will write to the Dar tal-Providenza, who offer you no gifts in return for the money, but who need it badly to keep on carrying out its sterling work.
The true spirit of Christmas is not what you will be receiving but what you are going to give. Giving leads to happiness which is far greater than receiving.
The Malta Independent wishes its readers a Merry Christmas, full of joy in the true spirit of the day. All the best to you all.