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The Season of Reflection and Gladness


Christmas.
For us Christians, conventionally it is described as the birth of Jesus Christ whom they believe to be the centered of hope in times of sorrow and the very reason any kind of happiness occurs. Realistically, Christmas to us means a yearly family tradition, an absolute reason for church, the time to sink in the year's blessings while 'Silent Night' is being sung at its eve, and endless family gatherings. For the non Christians, it is simply the holiday season. The time when Christmas tree is up and beautifully decorated, 'Santa Clause is Coming to Town' and 'Joy to the World' continuously being played at each corners, year-end discounts, and the jolly feeling of Christmas is just around.
But, what then has made Christmas to be universally knows as 'the season to be jolly'? - It is the season when day by day one is being naturally pulled to reflect on the years that gone by and be glad that every triumphs, failures, and setbacks had happened while celebrating all the choices that brought one to his or her present state. Most importantly, it is a reminder to practice love – one value that is hold dearly by the five religions acknowledged by this beloved country of ours Indonesia. 'Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good' (Romans 12:9). Christmas should bring the spirit of forgiving, humbleness, togetherness, and sharing of joy – the spirit that still needs to be greatly promoted and portrayed among people of this nation that supposedly promote pluralism, religious tolerance, and harmony.
The spirit of Christmas reminds all of us to love generously and to 'always be humble and gentle, be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love' (Ephesians 4:2). So, Christmas should not only be a yearly reminder to reflect that we are here for something besides ourselves and be glad about our lives, but let it be the time to practice its spirit more and more throughout the year so that the message behind Christmas can become people's life lessons. In the end, Christmas should not be the season to be jolly. It should not remain as a 'season', it is not December 25th, it is not Christian's annual celebration, it is not about the mistletoe, presents, and cakes – Christmas is a state of mind that should make the whole world to be engaged in a manifestation of love.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2015 dear ones!

Christie Adelheid Kanter
Christie Kanter adalah seorang wanita dengan passion kuat dan kesenangan dalam menulis. Ia lulus dengan jurusan Corporate Communications dan Public Relations dari Drexel University, Philadelphia, USA. Saat ini Christie bekerja sebagai Director of Communications di Swiss German University dan dalam proses menulis buku keduanya. Ia memiliki pengalaman bekerja di perusahaan PR global dengan klien – klien yang beragam, menyisihkan waktunya untuk melakukan pekerjaan sukarela di Yayasan Penyandang Anak Cacat (YPAC), menyediakan waktunya untuk menjadi guru sekolah Minggu di gereja setempat dan selalu berusaha untuk mempraktekan passion dalam menulis di semua pekerjaannya. Blognya www.christiekanter.com merupakan permulaan dimana ia menemukan passion dan talentanya. Glancing Through Life merupakan buku terbitan pertamanya yang terinspirasi oleh pengalamannya sendiri dan pengamatannya tentang kehidupan, melalui buku ini Ia ingin membuktikan bahwa passion yang kuat dapat menginspirasi dan membawa perbedaan dalam hidup.

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