Celebrating The True Essence Of Christmas 2020

Dear Readers,

There’s precious little that hasn’t been redefined to fall in line with the new normal, as we live through the globally disruptive novel coronavirus pandemic. The world’s most celebrated festival – Christmas – is no exception. But while the superfluous symbolism of Christmas will be greatly altered, its essence, perhaps, couldn’t be more restored.

To most, Christmas usually means receiving and giving gifts, partying with family and friends, food, dance and merriment. Just like 2020 has been a year like no other, its Christmas too, will be like no other – what with all the mandatory norms of maintaining social distancing, wearing masks, et al.

This year, as we are forced to remain distanced from the usual merriment and festivities that go along with Christmas, it’s impossible to escape the palpable inadequacy of an ‘online Christmas’. At the end of the day, there’s only so much that digital platforms and messenger services can do. We are undoubtedly grateful to technology – it’s been one of our main saviours that’s kept us sane through the most part of this year, but it just can’t compare to the warmth of a tight hug given by a loved one. Technology is, at most, a consolation for the human connect.

Insomuch, Xmas 2020 helps us dig deeper within, to reconfirm our realisations over the past months, where most of us have developed a whole new sense of respect, gratitude and appreciation for things that really matter…

Yes, Christmas in 2020 reaffirms that what truly matters to us, is what concerns our Maker. It celebrates the prophet – Jesus Christ – who was committed to the weakest amongst men, and who’s silent strength inspires compassion, faithfulness, generosity and peace within us, even as His presence in our hearts chips away our self-delusions and deceptive perceptions.

Christmas symbolises God’s constant and unconditional love for us all, in this hectic, fast-paced world. It celebrates gratitude, forgiveness, sacrifice and kindness, inspiring us to reach out to all without judgement, even as it transforms the emptiness in our hearts into the sanctuary of divine presence. But most of all, Christmas is the occasion for kindling the fire of hospitality in your home and the flame of charity in your heart – inviting one and all to take our rightful place around the welcoming altar of acceptance and love.

The stable in Bethleham, where Christ was born, had no door. All were welcome – there was no need to knock or make an appointment or ‘sign in’. Yes, all were welcome to partake the miracle of the divine immaculate conception. And therein perhaps, lies the essence of Christmas 2020 – to welcome with open arms and to give with a bigger heart. As the saying goes, “He who has not Christmas in his heart, will never find it under a tree.”

So, what is it that you plan on giving or gifting in this Season? How will you be living your Christmas? You could gift your Time and a listening ear to someone you know who has been feeling lonely – especially our seniors. You could gift Hope and Positivity to those who are hurting with the losses that the Pandemic has caused them. A simple call can be so empowering, when you just tell a friend, a colleague or a loved one, ‘Hey, I’m here for you’.

You could gift Love, Understanding and Appreciation to those closest to us – our family, who we unintentionally take for granted – and let them know they are cherished, not under-valued. After all, the best of all gifts around any Christmas tree is the presence of a happy family and friends, sharing love and laughter with each other!

You could gift Forgiveness to those who have wronged you, even if simply in your heart. You could gift Gratitude to those who have made and continue to make a difference in your life, and of course, to our Maker. And what better way to show your gratitude to Him, than to give yourself in service of His less privileged creations. Yes, indeed! We are spoilt for choice deciding what we could gift others this Xmas!

And when we all will celebrate Christmas in its true spirit thus, like the saying goes, “Peace on earth will come to stay, when we live Christmas every day.”

From all of us at Parsi Times – Have Yourselves a Merry Christmas!

Have a lovely weekend!

– Anahita