Christmas is good news of joy and hope. However in our dear motherland of Sri Lanka, it is being remembered in an atmosphere of uncertainty and anxiety. Despite this, no one can take away this joy and hope from us.

The festivity of this year will certainly be affected by what is happening around us, such as the elusive peace threatened by the undeclared war in the North and East, the brutalization of our youth who are victims of intransigence of the warring parties, the many injured and disabled as a result of war, the hopeless situation of refugees, the unsuccessful attempts to get food to the starving, the desperate situation of the Tsunami victims and the latest natural disaster of floods and its aftermath. It is against this background that the challenge of this Christmas, the birth of mankind’s seviour has to be seen.

Hence, certain aspects of Christmas have to be looked at critically. As Christians we cannot give into display of extravagance and ostentation in celebrating Christmas while very many of our brothers and sisters are suffering and are afflicted. In fact, we must recall the humble conditions in which the Lord Jesus was born and remember that he came to give peace and joy to those who are in pain and to give a sense of hope to those who are desperate. This year’s Christmas event therefore must hold the pledge of healing to all the wounds of our fellow countrymen.

This year we have the opportunity once again of being in profound solidarity with those who are suffering. The call at the moment is to make the Christmas season, one of prayer, devotion and sharing that will lead the Christian community to a profound spiritual experience of Christmas: allowing the humble Christ to be reborn in us, being united to him in our Christian liturgies and in generosity to those who are most in need. Hence, whatever that can be saved from avoiding unnecessary expenditure, could be channeled to assist those affected by war and floodsobtain life’s basic necessities. This will fill the Christmas celebration with the real Christian spirit that helps us go beyond our selfish interest in compassion and concern for others.

Besides being a call to solidarity, Christmas is also a time for hope, however hopeless and grim our national situationreally is. We do not have to fear anything, except fear itself. The Christmas message is good news for us because we know that God will not abandon us even in the depths of our misery.

The message of Christmas is universal: for all people and all races. The blessing we need at this Christmas is to be able to overcome all forces that threaten the integrated life of our country. A life filled with peace inspired by moral principles and the light of Christian faith is necessary. Along with this should come justice and truth. This would indeed pave the way to overcome wars and quarrels, resolve conflict, increase the spirit of good will and greater awareness of our duties towards one and other.

We wish all the brothers and sisters of our country at this Christmas, the grace of peace and reconciliation at the birth of our savior, Jesus Christ.