“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.” (Isaiah 9:2)
Dear brothers and sisters,
In a week’s time, we will be celebrating Christmas. Decorations and presents are now being prepared, with shopping centres in Kuching and online, offering Christmas Sales. The world is indeed a busy one with many families looking forward to Christmas and year-end celebrations.
The COVID-19 pandemic was like a cloud of darkness that covered our world, shrouding everyone and families with uncertainty, anxiety and fear. We were afraid of the future and even churches that we used to seek comfort in had to be closed under the Movement Control Order. For the last two years, we were unable to celebrate Christmas with friends and families.
This year, it is as if we have been given a lifeline and hope. I have thus chosen as the theme to rejoice and celebrate the coming Christmas and birthday of the Lord Jesus: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.” (Isaiah 9:2)
From the Christmas story that we read in the Bible, we can imagine the first Christmas in Bethlehem 2000 years ago. There was a young couple, Joseph with Mary who was about to give birth, entering into Bethlehem. They were unable to find any room at the inn that night. I can imagine Joseph being filled with anxiety and near panic as Mary was about to give birth. The Christmas carol Mary’s Boy Child, captured this moment: “Joseph and his wife, Mary, came to Bethlehem that night, they found no place to bear her child, not a single room was in sight. And then they found a little nook, in a stable all forlorn. And in a manger cold and dark, Mary’s little boy was born.”
On the first Christmas night 2000 years ago in Bethlehem, God from the highest heaven above, came to live among us as a human person, in Jesus. He came to share our human frailty, suffering and pain, so as to offer us hope and life. In the darkness of the night, Jesus came to bring life, light and hope. Christians believe that the same Jesus died on the Cross on Good Friday, but was raised to life by God from the darkness of the tomb. He is now alive and present among us.
The heart of the Christmas story is about a God who offers humanity who had sinned and a broken relationship with God, his only beloved Son that we may live. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
PERSONAL STORY
More than 20 years ago, as a young priest, I went to celebrate Mass and worship in a village called kampong Ngiromis in Bau. After our Mass and service in the Kampong Church, I would visit and bring Holy Communion to the sick in their homes.
I remember clearly that evening, with the prayer leaders guiding me, we entered a path beside the village and walked under the canopy of the rubber trees. After 10 minutes, we reached a hut that was without electricity. In the dim light, I could see a woman lying on the floor.
In preparation to pray, I would usually set up a simple altar. I looked around for a chair or small table where I could place my Bible, Holy Communion etc. No small table was available and I was offered only a wooden homemade stool, the type that we would use when doing the washing outside, or gardening. I decided to cover the stool with a small white cloth, lit a candle and put my Bible and Holy Communion on the white cloth while we prayed. Eventually, I anointed her and let her receive Holy Communion.
Deep in my heart, I felt sad as I knew that I would not be seeing this sick person during my next visit to the kampong in about 2 months’ time. I remembered that in the warm glow of the single candle in the dark room, with everyone kneeling or sitting around the small prayer altar that we had set up for prayer, I realised that it was like Jesus in Holy Communion, he had come to be present in this humble dwelling, with no electricity, no furniture and on a small stool resting on the earthen floor.
I realised that this was like the very first Christmas when Jesus, the Son of God came to live among humanity on earth, born in a humble stable. There was no room or bed but instead, the baby Jesus was put in a manger. A manger is a feeding trough or dulang in Iban which means a tray that is used to put food for animals.
Thus, within the heart of Christmas is the story of God’s love for humanity. God loves sinful humanity unconditionally. Without counting the costs, God willingly offered his only Son, born of a woman, in a stable. On Christmas day, our God came to share in our human frailty, suffering and joy. Jesus eventually experienced the ultimate rejection and cruel death on the Cross on Good Friday.
Christmas is the story that God became man and lives among us. It is only when we have this desire to love and make sacrifices, help and share with those in need, that our Christmas Open House, our Christmas tree and decorations, the exchanging of presents with one another, become more meaningful and contribute towards a better world and society.
Thus, at Christmas during this pandemic recovery period, all humanity – Christians and people of good will – are called to make the same sacrifice of love by giving of our time and money to help those in need. We share Christmas joy, hope and light to those who are lonely, anxious and in despair. May we share and give generously to those in need from the many blessings and gifts that God has provided us.
Besides alleviating poverty and suffering, we shall also pray for those who have lost their jobs, livelihood, those who are suffering from loneliness and in despair, refugees and many who are displaced by conflicts and climate change, peace and unity in families, nations and the world, unity among Christians and harmony among all peoples of goodwill, and in particular, for peace and stability in Malaysia.
As part of nation building in Malaysia, always remember to help the abandoned and excluded, those left out on the peripheries of development, the poor, those in the rural villages and all on the margins of our society. Work with all Christians, men and women of goodwill, NGOs and the Government to bring solace and comfort, education and health care, love and security to all in need.
Be dedicated and committed to serve with love and compassion for the common good of our society. Support educational activities, nation building, health care services and other compassionate works in response to Jesus’ Command, “love your neighbour as yourself.”
I conclude with the Chinese proverb: “It is better to light a single candle than to curse the darkness.” At every Christmas, we are invited to love one another, to light up a candle of hope and light, to give our lives in service of love to others, to all in need, especially those who are on the margins of society, to visit the sick, to bring consolation and hope to everyone. Let us do something, even small things, but with great love.
I take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Holy Christmas. In this season of sharing and giving, let us bless one another with our gifts of friendship, sharing and caring.
Blessed and Merry Christmas.
