And so this is Christmas... towns and cities abound with glistening windows and shiny red ribbons; twinkling lights illuminate unexpected places and bounce off sparkling trees.
Apart from the lights, Christmas is also a time of reflection and it may provoke memories of Christmases in the recent and distant past.
In my opinion it is no coincidence that Charles Dickens in "A Christmas Carol" chose Yuletide as the appropriate time for Ebenezer Scrooge to reflect on his life. Dickens sought to convey that, generally speaking, it is the spirit of love and sharing which bring joy and bliss to our lives.
While Christmas in earlier years used to be full of delight and celebration, the world nowadays is not exempt from sorrow during this season. Frankly, my family had its fair share of grief this year and so had some of you.
Thus, many of us experience intensified ache as memories flood our minds. Perhaps the memory is of a loved one passed away. Dejection doesn’t stop lurking and disease doesn’t stop waging its war.
And yet... if 2020 has taught us anything, it’s how much the people in our lives mean to us - so let's go ahead and spread some happiness where we can. Let's reach out to all those who made our lives brighter this year. Let them know that we are thinking of them and caring for them.
In the spirit of this special time of year, be gentle with yourself and those around you.
It's with all my heart that I wish you and your families happiness, inner warmth and love for the festive season.
Merry Christmas to you all!
Apart from the lights, Christmas is also a time of reflection and it may provoke memories of Christmases in the recent and distant past.
In my opinion it is no coincidence that Charles Dickens in "A Christmas Carol" chose Yuletide as the appropriate time for Ebenezer Scrooge to reflect on his life. Dickens sought to convey that, generally speaking, it is the spirit of love and sharing which bring joy and bliss to our lives.
While Christmas in earlier years used to be full of delight and celebration, the world nowadays is not exempt from sorrow during this season. Frankly, my family had its fair share of grief this year and so had some of you.
Thus, many of us experience intensified ache as memories flood our minds. Perhaps the memory is of a loved one passed away. Dejection doesn’t stop lurking and disease doesn’t stop waging its war.
And yet... if 2020 has taught us anything, it’s how much the people in our lives mean to us - so let's go ahead and spread some happiness where we can. Let's reach out to all those who made our lives brighter this year. Let them know that we are thinking of them and caring for them.
In the spirit of this special time of year, be gentle with yourself and those around you.
It's with all my heart that I wish you and your families happiness, inner warmth and love for the festive season.
Merry Christmas to you all!
^^
