A New Meaning of Christmas
It was the crack of dawn of the 25th daylight hours of December when Christian faithful commemorate the confinement of Jesus Christ (the Messiah). It was unpleasantly cold and along the streets were the sub-zero twists blowing, there were hardly any automobiles on the roads and in the streets, only a small number of drunkards who had gone on celebrations on the eve and beggars who had found comfort in the corner of a doorway which at least kept them from the biting coldness. Everything was white. The snow underneath my feet was making an exasperating blare, like the brittle cornflakes. The houses were filled with colorful lights and various decorations. I was heading down the street from Path mark where I got some milk and a holiday card for my family. When I got home everyone was still sleeping, the atmosphere was not like I had imagined.
I had lots of expectations; I supposed that people would be awake, merry making and having extra ordinary merriment. At first I was almost disappointed not for what was happening but because of the presupposition I had about this day. At first I thought like many people do; that Christmas holiday was a day meant for children. I therefore looked forward to seeing so many activities set up for the children. So many unanswered questions lingered in my mind as I strode down the street towards the house; how is it celebrated here? Why are people still asleep at that hour of the day………………….?
I walked into the living room and to my astonishment every one was still asleep. Deciding not to cut short or bother any one in their sleep I dropped the Christmas card on the living room table and headed straight to the kitchen to prepare breakfast for the rest of the family. Before the breakfast was ready; that was around eight thirty the rest of the family unit was by now wide awake and getting ready to kick off the day’s carnival. We all got ready and left the house for the chapel.
We drove down the road into the highway towards the New York City. To my surprise the streets were not yet bejeweled like I was used to back at home. On arrival at the chapel the mood there was different and people were joyous and singing the Christmas carols, bringing me back to the moods of celebration. The priest laid a lot of emphasis on doing charity work during the Christmas holiday and at least giving someone the optimism of living another day just like Christ Jesus did to us who believe in him. The congregation gave their gifts to the new born baby after the sermonette.
Just before leaving the church compound an announcement was made that whoever was interested in accompanying the rest of the faithful to pay a visit to the home of the elderly and participate in some charity work by helping them was welcome to do so. It was so encouraging for m e since every one was very much willing to go.
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