Christmas past, present and future

Daphne Lord

Christmas was ushered into my hometown on December 1 with a slight nip in the air and the lighting of crackers. That reminded me to say the 'Crib Prayer' daily till Christmas night. Then followed the Christmas shopping to buy new clothes, shoes and hats. (The fashion in olden times). There was also the cleaning and tidying of our homes and getting ready to celebrate the birthday of the Baby of Bethlehem.

This was the time when young and old came together and lent a hand in so many ways - constructing an open air stage, installing the sound system and decorating the precincts of St Lucia's Cathedral - my parish church.

Every year my gift to the Christ child was the pageant and plays presented by the youth and the children in the parish trained by me.

I still recall the cathedral bells that pealed at mid-night, the fire works display after the mid-night mass, and yes the deafening noise of crackers at 12 noon on Christmas Day. My kith and kin made it a point to be with us to listen to this and, then partake of the traditional Christmas lunch and relax singing carols and awaiting 'Santa Claus' to distribute the Christmas gifts.

Let me now pass on to CHRISTMAS PRESENT. The recent floods and rains, and the poor people begging for food, clothing and shelter in my neighbourhood made me decide to concentrate on these poor stricken people this year.

I decided on gifting Christmas hampers to fifty poor families and those who were disabled and elderly - especially in the Bloemendhal area. My teachers and pupils got together and it was one week of fun and activity-making and distributing hampers to the poor. This I felt was good training for my pupils, for as a teacher of many years I also believed, that I had not only to teach but to train them for life.

The parish Christmas activities are still there - but it is time we elders trained and handed our responsibilities to the younger parishioners to continue these Christmas activities. Whatever anyone may say the Kotahena Parish Community and people will never change their ways of living.

Let me now go on to CHRISTMAS FUTURE. No one can foretell what the future holds for each and every one of us. We have to place ourselves in the hands of the Infant Jesus. All I wish is that the good work done in the past will be continued in the future.

Whatever happens let us pray to the Prince of Peace, who was born in a stable at midnight on Christmas day, December 25. Let us ask Him for -

Peace of mind Peace in our homes and families Peace in our country Peace in the world