We have started the Advent season from Sunday the 27th of November. Advent is a term from the Latin word ‘Adventus’ meaning ‘arrival’. It is a time for the arrival of Christmas, a long-awaited festival, holiday and family time.

We are entering into a season of festivity. A season of holidays, travel, meeting friends, relatives, eating feasts, baking cakes etc… The danger of this season are the several activities surrounded by it, losing the essence of the very purpose of this celebration. The busyness of the season, most of the time, swallows its meaning. As we are already in this season, the question is how to make it unique. How special is this season going to be?

I think the message that comes clearly from Christmas is that God became mindful of humanity. God remembered us while we were still sinners and gave us his precious gift, his son Jesus to us. Since he became mindful of us, we can become mindful of one another, particularly the needy and the downtrodden. One of my friends decided that he would celebrate Christmas this year differently. He and his family will celebrate Christmas with the visually challenged people.

While you plan for your Christmas celebration, may I encourage you to include people who otherwise have no identity in your list? This way you can make this Christmas a special one. One of the lessons that came powerfully during our recent worship services is from Galatians 6.9. “So, let us not grow weary in doing what is right,” The word ‘weary’ is an important word. Yes, we should not be tired of doing what is good. Therefore, may I encourage you to think beyond your family and friends circle during this season? May the dear Lord richly bless you and grant you a wonderful Advent Season! God bless!

Harrison

Chaplain