Much as I am sure that politics is an effective tool that can improve the quality of life of people, I am just as certain that many would agree that there is more to life than politics.  However, this week there should be less space for divisive politics, and even less for partisan ones.  Other more important values should take precedence over politics this week.  On my list of priorities, family and close friends come to mind.  These are the ones I rely on when times get tough.  Spending quality time with them is important and, to this end, every effort should be made to sustain healthy relationships.  This becomes even more accentuated when future plans are stalled, delayed or completely abandoned because of severe health problems or other serious troubles.  It is true that employment and financial stability are important to provide the best quality of life to dependants, but these can take precious time away from family and friends, and so a measure of forethought would be in place.  

This Sunday, millions of Christians and others around the world will celebrate the birth of baby Jesus. Gospel writers recounted the narrative of the nativity and the events surrounding Jesus’ birth in detail.   But is the birth of Jesus still relevant in today’s world?  The way people celebrate Christmas depends on many circumstances.  Some of the situations are unfortunately beyond reach, and not much can be done. These are piteous.  But then there are other situations that, although perhaps self-inflicted, are also heart-breaking.  

The latter is the fault of a society which is reluctant to take the lead, or is only willing to be an armchair critic.  If we are honest, we must admit that many celebrate Christmas by buying gifts, decorating their houses and visiting relatives and friends.  Others celebrate it by getting drunk, some beginning at the office party on the last working day before Christmas.  But the spirit of Christmas has nothing to do with the bottled variety, which many of us down and share in abundance.  Christmas should be a time of hope.   

Despite the fact that instances of social injustices have ballooned, the competent authorities seem unconcerned or unwilling to take the bold actions necessary to protect the people and the vulnerable.  In the coming days, the President of Malta, the Prime Minister, the Archbishop and the Leader of the Opposition will convey their message for Christmas.  Hopefully, their messages for this Christmas are not only able to bring society closer, but are able to put people’s minds at rest that they are prepared to put every inch within their power to protect the people.    

Christmas is also marked by twinkling, colourful illumination in our roads and shops in all localities.  Most of our homes are also decorated with festoons and tinsel.  And the traditional crib made of papier mâché and clay figurines, representing the key actors during the nativity of Jesus, still finds its place in a prominent place in many homes.  

My late elder brother George used to start assembling the crib as early as the first days of November.  On a large leaf of hardboard, supported by a frame of solid wood, he would plan where to place the crib, the stream of flowing water, the fields with the shepherds, the windmill, the blacksmith and the baker, adding other features from year to year.   My brother was a feasts’ enthusiast and Christmas gave him all the opportunity to put into practice his imagination and creativity.   At his home, the smell of thyme welcomed his guests during the festive season.   He used to grow the plant in pots, and though it required no green fingers or particular attention, it gave an unmistakable fragrance.   His face used to light up when someone complimented him on his crib; however, my father, also late, would often move his thoughtfully-placed figurines around, with sheep hanging from a tree, St. Joseph at the inn and the donkey in field.

Christmas inevitably brings back such happy memories!      

I take this opportunity to wish the directors, management, editors and staff of Standard Publications, you and your loved ones a Blessed Christmas.        

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