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.
Categories:
Christmas,
Hari Natal,
New Year,
Tahun Baru
0 comments:
Post a Comment