Let us truly love each other this season

Despite the economic and other challenges we face as a people, it is reassuring to see the Vincentian public engaged in the usual activities we have come to associate with Christmas.

Kingstown is a hive of activity with people shopping for new clothes, food, furniture, and gifts for friends and family. At home, all hands are on deck with general house-cleaning, painting and improvements.

In addition to these outward signs of merriment, it is important for us to pause awhile to reflect on just why we are celebrating at this time.

This is a predominantly Christian nation, and Christians believe that we are in a new relationship with God because of the wonderful miracle of Bethlehem, where in a lowly manger, our Saviour was born, with the Blessed Virgin Mary as his mother, and St Joseph as his guardian. He was heralded by the angelic host, visited by shepherds, and welcomed by kings.

The importance of his birth will be highlighted this weekend by our churches, starting with Christmas Eve services, but going into the New Year to cover the 12 days of this most festive season.

Schools, musical groups, and community organizations across the nation have held their Christmas programmes this past week, and our national celebration, the Nine Mornings festival, is well underway, with its fun filled activities early in the morning.

It is our hope that the joy of Christmas will be felt by every individual in some way this season. Let us reach out and share the genuine love of Christ with each other. Let us blot out any hostility, jealousy, resentment and all the other negatives that tend to sour our personal relations and could put a damper on the celebration. Let us not forget to love.

It was God’s love for mankind that led to the Incarnation, that is, the Christian doctrine that teaches us that God took human form in the person of Jesus to rescue us from sin and shame. John 3:16 reminds us that. God sent his only Son to earth, in the form of a man, to live and die so that we might have everlasting life.

His Son, Jesus, lived on the earth for some 30 some years, spreading the Gospel, healing broken hearts, and giving life; and most of all, sharing God’s love. He embraced everyone, regardless of their status. He befriended prostitutes, the homeless and taught simple fishermen to become great disciples, spreading the love of God. When we accept Christ and his love, we are meant to share it with others.

Let us remember to truly love each other this season, and in the years to come. Let us practise true love, as described to us in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

SEARCHLIGHT wishes one and all a happy and holy Christmas season.