Magazine

Joyous Christmas, for everyone

Rupa BANDUWARDENA

Christmas, a much looked forward to an event in the calendar, this time could be celebrated in a fitting manner. It coincides with famous, fabulous, fascinating, fertile and free (5 Fs) Sri Lanka for the first time after three decades. Amazingly beautiful endowed with abundant natural resources, highly literate population and vital strategic location, Lanka was disfigured by a vicious civil war.

Having survived the terror of terrorism Sri Lanka is back again to normalcy and this Christmas will definitely turn out to be a glittering occasion full of meaning. Above all there is peace and harmony as the barbaric war, has come to an end, putting an end to communal disharmony. To achieve the above was no easy task.

 All major communities consist of a majority of Christians next to Buddhists. To them a historic opportunity has emerged with the turn of events to celebrate Christmas to their satisfaction. Following the recovery from destruction and disruption the respectful devotion towards the great event will be at its greatest heights over which everybody could be happy with pride well and truly, this will contribute immensely to enhance the image of Christmas. Sri Lanka is a perfect example to all other countries. Devotees across the globe, from around the world can now visit Sri Lanka with the spirit of the season and enjoy the sacred event.

The global view

Christianity is one of the oldest philosophies dating back to time immemorial which has become widely popular in the West. In fact it is the place of origin and no doubt it is firmly rooted in the West since medieval times and then coming to the East with the spread of Imperialism. It has become precious among the Europeans the true Catholics seeking solace and blessings of life. The doctrine has played a vital role throughout the Christian world. Christianity establishes the brotherhood of all living beings. Its aim is peaceful co-existence. It is a unique philosophy, in that it taught the people to believe in supreme God or the creator, to pray to him since their lives depend on the destiny marked by Him. This noble divine being, God turned human being Lord Jesus Christ, we are told that he was born a gifted genius, blessed with wisdom, intelligence, bravery and love and compassion for the good of humanity, the principles of which are mentioned in the Holy Bible. This has given them the divine laws, living laws, standard of morality, the rules of conduct generally practised by the Christians. They preserve it with utmost faith and care, honouring the message given to the world, leading them to the path of heaven. He was the model of creator of forgiveness of sins - a characteristic, that Christianity emphasises for the benefit of human existence.

The great festival

History records that Christmas has been celebrated throughout as a great festival with much piety, grandeur and splendour. There are many sacred as well as fun-filled activities in their celebrations to keep them alive to its significance. The festive season is personified by many exciting events to widen and deepen their knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ (the Babe of Bethlehem) the Son of God and the Saviour of the world, born to bless the world. They are being guided by the most venerated institution - the church, the unique symbol of Christian faith.

The service it renders is beyond words, specially, the deserving and the poor. Then lot of activities take place in a Catholic abode. The traditional Christmas tree found in every abode is done very carefully to celebrate the joy of the season. It is said that the Christmas tree in London has been gifted from Norwegian people in gratitude for British support, for Norway during World War II.

Christmas in Rome, the glorious city which is heavily steeped in faith and glamour, they say the grand climax is the papal midnight Mass and also the most momentous moment is when the Pope reads the Christmas message in the Piazza. Then there are Christmas carols, equally important and enchanting. the popular belief is that the first carol was sung after the birth of Jesus when the Angels appeared to the Shepherds and conveyed the good news of Christ's birth.

This is a delightful occasion filled with joy for everyone of the family, the children in particular. The Santa Claus episode is a thrilling event for them. They with their innocence do believe the gifts found in the gaily decorated Christmas tree are true gifts of Jesus brought from heaven. The children of other faiths too believe the gifts found under their pillows, kept by their parents without their knowledge are gifts of Santa. This is just one instance where non Christians too enjoy the occasion. Still another to be mentioned is, how they are being treated and feted by Catholic neighbours and friends. Another notable feature is how cities, shops and streets are decorated and illuminated giving prominence to Santa arousing warmth and love. Christmas is also spiced with fashion shows, competitions offering fabulous prizes and also special programs to celebrate the joy of the season. We too most gladly join hands to wish them the most joyous Christmas.

Christianity - born in song

"Come! let us raise a joyful song to the Lord, A shout of triumph to the rock of our Salvation.

Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving And sing psalms of triumph to him"

(Psalm 95: 1 - 2)

Lloyd Rajaratnam Devarajah

Singing plays a vital and central role of Christian worship as Christianity was virtually born in song. Singing is important part of Christian worship, as it is also a singing faith.

It is also "a true spiritual exercise, a means of worshipping God, of Christian faith and love, of testifying to God's grace and declaring His truth", stated one writer.

God has given all of us various talents that we do not exploit or make use of, to the best of our ability. They include Preaching, Teaching, Praying, Singing, Writing, Acting etc., etc.

For example, many of us have the God - given talent of singing but we do not make use of it, especially to "Singing unto His glory". Such People are called "vocal cripples" because they either fight shy of opening their mouth or afraid of singing in public and exhibiting their talent. But they are not afraid or shy of singing lustily within the confines of their bathroom.

When perusing the songbook (Hymnal), one does not fail to notice/observe the composers' (lyricists) thoughts and feelings about His creator, which is also the heritage of Christianity and of our faith.

The Hymnal is the fountainhead of a Christian's spiritual strength and encouragement. It is a known fact that children sing even before they talk and also enjoy singing and the sound of music, even when they are toddlers. Singing is said to be a Gift of God and one should sing with our whole bodies, which transforms itself into a wonderful musical instrument.

Every person who has received God's Salvation has a wonderful and sound reason to "Sing unto the Lord". When we are experiencing sufferings, hardships, difficulties or loneliness, we sometimes break into song. John Wesley, the well-known Methodist peacher and evangelist, in his preface to "Sacred Melody" first published in 1761, gave some advise on Singing.

r When singing, see that you "Join with the Congregation as frequently as you can. Let not a slight degree of weakness or weariness hinder you. If it is a cross to you, take it up and you will find it a Blessing.

r "Sing lustily and with a good courage. Beware of singing as if you were half dead or half asleep, but lift up your voice with strength. Be no more afraid of your voice now, nor more ashamed of its being heard, than when you Sung the Songs of Satan. Sing modestly.

Do not bawl, so as to be heard above or distinct from the rest of the Congregation, that you may not destroy the harmony but strive to unite your voices together, so as to make one-clear melodious sound.

r "Sing in time. Whatever time is sung be sure to keep with it. Do not run before nor stay behind it but attend close to the leading voices and move therewith, as exactly as you can and take care not to sing too slow,.........

r "Above all sing Spiritually. Have an eye to God in every word you Sing, Aim at Pleasing Him more than Yourself or any other creature. In order to do this, attend strictly, to the sense of what you sing and see that your heart is not carried away with the sound but offered to God continually: so shall your singing be such, as the Lord will approve here and reward you, when He comets in the clouds of Heaven".

Paul and Silas sang praises to God when they were in the Philippians prison (Acts 16:25). When Jesus was facing his darkest hour, he was able to sing. "After singing the Passover hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives". (Matthew 26-30)

Those who are filled with the Holy Sprit, spontaneously break out in singing, as it is a natural outgrowth of joy, in Praising God.

Hallelujah, Amen

Nativity lessons

Frightened maid and weary man trudge the dusty road

From Jericho upward to Jerusalem a donkey they rode

She is great with child, face tinged with anguish shame

One whom the donkey bears carries the Greatest Name

Immanuel, Wonderful Prince of PeaceCounselor He is

Yet a feeble Babe in virgin's womb no room for ease

Thank God for ass who carried Him in Mary's womb

They will use & forget you remember the silent mule

Jericho to Jerusalem steep ascent some achieve in life

They forget the servant donkey once they climb high

There once was a King who used an ass for royal entry

He never forgets beasts of burden, He One was, weary

Horse & Mule though cousins, in nature are poles apart

Horse loves the thrills frills donkey pulls a humble cart

Horse draws the chariot often the general or the King

Ass draws heavy burdens by which the poor earn a living

Horses are for ceremony he neighs with head high in air

Donkeys only work hard head down braying in despair

God creates the one & the other, let us do our given part

Yonder call soon will come, let's serve with all our heart

Jesus'first & last visit to Jerusalem was on a donkey

Dear shepherd you are to be that mule in your ministry

Men may remember or forget their burdens you bear

Grieve not, King delights to pick the crown you wear

Have we learnt the lessons of blood

Our faces bruised down with a thud

Rising from ashes, beauty can come

Sinhalese and Tamils unite as One

Chief Executive a Shepherd has to be

Heart of God & grit he has to receive

Promises to deliver, dignity o create

Heal bruised people mend and relate

Dr. Lalith Mendis