Every community has its root, the very fabric of its history and formation. With increasing diversity in human endeavours, our years of community living has become an endangered paradigm where “I” is emphasised over “We”. However, the celebration of Christmas, a Christian holiday that marks the birth of Jesus Christ, signposts the relevance communal life particularly in the hinterland.

Christmas, a season characterised by gift-gifting, carolling, and decorating of trees with lights and evergreens, reinforces our commonality. Some families also wear matching outfit’s and take photos together on Christmas Eve. On Christmas, families often spend hours cooking elaborate meals, setting up decorations, and preparing for the holiday.

The holiday brings a sense of togetherness and love, as families spend time together and reflect on the year’s blessing. Also going for church service on Christmas Day is always exciting and brings a sense of consciousness of Jesus’ birth.

Despite all the preparations, the true meaning of Christmas is the joy and peace that it brings to families around the world. It is a time to reflect on the love and blessings in our lives.

The joie de vivre that accompanies Christmas is exhilarating. The children play around with uncontrolled attention, older brothers fetch water, sisters gather firewood and mothers laid out pots for food preparations.  To bring the life out of the whole event is to eat together, chatting and partaking of the cool weather, neighbours and friends moving from different locations, seeking for every meal to be tasted. It is a day when nobody goes hungry, yet, no food is left untasted.

This period does not only speak present but also takes us back to our root, where our fathers also celebrate the season with village festivals like; the masquerade performance, youth beauty parade, wrestling and lots more.  The village king confers chieftaincy honours on deserving sons of the land and celebrates with his people. Christmas don’t only display its qualities but creates opportunity for everyman to be himself

Love is shared from every angle of life, leaving no space for fear, pain or grief. The season produces new relationship in the life of the singles, giving a little touch and reminder of Valentine for them. Christmas doesn’t only create room for celebration but also for bonding. This is especially true for singles, who have the opportunity to find their other half.  It gives a little touch of Valentine’s Day – love is offered and taken.  

It is also a season to reflect on the true gift of Jesus Christ who was sent to mankind. Christians are privileged people, for they have great advantages to this season. Christmas melodies and rhythms before and after the season, has endless play.

Children across the world are often surprised by the gifts and visits from their loved ones during the holiday season. The holiday season is not about wealth or status, but about celebrating with loved ones and sharing kindness and compassion. Even those who are less fortunate, such as orphans and disabled, are able to experience the joy and wonder of the holiday season. Everyone, from the beautiful to the less conventionally attractive, can find something to celebrate during this time of the year.

Christmas is a time of the year that reminds us of the importance of love, community, joy and gratitude. It is a season for reflection on the past and hope for the future. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, we are reminded of the true gifts of love, faith, and family.   

The post Christmas: Celebrating Community living, a family Holiday of love appeared first on ESUT Monitor.

In the heart of Bethlehem, where Christmas usually unfolds like a jubilant tapestry of lights, carols, and joy, an unprecedented hush has fallen over the ancient city. This year, the birthplace of Jesus Christ finds itself entangled in a narrative far removed from the traditional festive spirit, as Christmas celebrations stand cancelled, replaced by an unexpected scene of mourning.

As the world eagerly anticipates the season of love and celebration, Bethlehem’s streets remain devoid of the customary glittering lights, Christmas trees, and lively parades. The city’s skyline, once painted with the hues of merriment, now tells a different tale – one of resilience, solidarity, and hope amid the ruins.

The iconic manger, symbolizing the humble birth of Jesus, now stands in stark contrast to its usual festive surroundings. Instead of a stable filled with warmth, this year’s manger finds itself nestled amidst the remnants of what once was, resembling a house destroyed in the wake of conflict. The image is hauntingly reminiscent of children being pulled from the rubble during the tumultuous clashes in the region.

Musther Isaac, a pastor at the Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church in Bethlehem, shared poignant insights into the significance of this year’s muted celebration. He expressed, “From this idea of the manger for Christmas this year, it sends a message of Jesus’ solidarity with those who are oppressed and suffering. Therefore, it’s a message of comfort and hope to us but also to the world of what Christmas looks like in Bethlehem.”

The cancelled festivities beg a larger question – is this a glimpse into a world facing its end, or a poignant reminder that trials and tribulations are transient? Bethlehem’s silent night urges contemplation on the global stage, inviting us to ponder the true essence of Christmas beyond the usual revelry.

This unexpected turn of events in Bethlehem challenges the conventional narrative of the holiday season, prompting a reflection on the collective human experience in times of adversity. As we navigate these uncharted waters, the city’s muted Christmas serves as a profound reminder that even in the absence of traditional celebrations, the spirit of hope and solidarity persists.

Bethlehem’s silent night beckons us to find meaning in the midst of rubble, to seek hope in solidarity, and to discover the true essence of Christmas in a world yearning for light amidst the darkness.

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