Christmas: Liberation from self-centredness - Editorial

24 December 2012 06:30 pm - 0 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

Today is Christmas. The very word conjures up a feeling and sense of joy. People refer to the word Christmas when they want to describe moments of great joy and great favour. We hear them say ‘it was like Christmas when this unexpected windfall came my way’. Why is Christmas linked with joy, celebration and goodness? What is the joy it brings to us?

Christmas is a tradition inherited from Christians who celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ the cornerstone of Christianity. Truly they are joyful about their Lord who they believe is the Son of God and came to the world as a poor man to save the world from sin and death.

But the question to ask today is whether these celebrations reflect the true spirit of Jesus who was born for others, lived for others and even died for others on a Cross. Yes there is a movement towards caring for your family, showing love and concern through the exchange of gifts and doing something for the less fortunate. Yet after Christmas people have a tendency to pick up their old lives and continue on their own self-centred ways.

Can Christmas this year bring us a joy and peace that will last beyond the food and alcohol that many believe is essential for the festive season? If so we need to look at the spirit of Christmas as revealed by the birth of Jesus Christ. The Son of God chooses to be born poor and in difficult circumstances because his purpose for living was for others. He was born for and lived for a cause bigger than himself. When he lived for others and served others, he met many challenges but claimed to have a peace that the world knew nothing about and a joy that he called full.

We too need to find out the source of our peace and joy on this Christmas Day. If it is centred on our selfish needs and self-interest, if it is derived from indulging in sensual pleasure and giving into our base nature, then it will certainly be short lived and end up causing greater pain to us and to others. But if we direct our energy and efforts to a purpose bigger than ourselves, like the well-being of people whom no one cares about, those too poor not merely in money but in power and attraction like the aged and the differently abled, and those whom society condemns like prisoners and others who have made mistakes that now define their lives, it is to reach beyond ourselves.

Yet to do so can be bothersome and painful. It can lead to difficulties and complications that leave us regretting that we ever chose to reach out to these people. But if we began with true integrity within, right in the midst of such obstacles we become privy to the inner peace and inner joy that the Jesus of Christmas promises.

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

Comments - 0

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Christmas: Liberation from self-centredness - Editorial

Comments - 0

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

Loss-making SMIB faces political pressure in recovering loans

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: MV Dali, SL authorities anchored in mystery?

Has Sri Lanka become a potential hub for the illegal wildlife trade?

Spotlight on Moragahakanda Development Project Moragolla villagers lose livelihoods and down to one meal a day

Ambitious Sri Lankan jobseekers ‘trafficked into Ukraine war zones’

Western purple-faced langurs see blue!

Most Viewed in News

April 15 declared a government holiday

23 year old youth ends up having his testicles removed

SL on alert on possible genocide allegations by Canada

New Visa procedure implemented

A US “Kaputa”, a Lankan “Nariya” and a Presidential “Feast”

Street food vendor arrested for verbally harassing foreigner

MIRROR CRICKET

Chamari Athapaththu sets big goal for T20 World Cup

How does CSK get best out of Pathirana?

Mendis, Mathews move up in ICC Test Rankings

Chamodi, Dewmi spins Sri Lanka U19 Women to big win

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Wild elephants pull down 16 telephone poles

Middleman arrested for price gouging at Kalutara eatery

Bondholders’ agreement delay won’t hinder IMF third tranche payout: Dr. Coomaraswamy

Party leaders to shoot down MPs request for concessionary duty free vehicle permits

Hardik fined Rs 12 lakh for violating IPL code of conduct after win over Punjab Kings

Chamari Athapaththu sets big goal for T20 World Cup

How does CSK get best out of Pathirana?

Mendis, Mathews move up in ICC Test Rankings