Dr. A. F. Pinto
Chairman
Ryan International Group of Institutions
“If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent us an educator. If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent us a scientist. If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent us an economist. If our greatest need had been pleasure, God would have sent us an entertainer. But our greatest need was forgiveness, so God sent us a Saviour.” This quote of Max Lucado beautifully sums up the true meaning and essence of Christmas. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, Jesus, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” The focal point of Christmas is “Jesus Christ” and what he does when someone believes in him. The celebration of Christmas beautifully illuminates the significance of His birth. Christmas is a commemoration of God’s love for humankind. It is for this love, God sent Jesus into the world, who died on the cross as the greatest sacrifice to wash away the sins of the entire humankind. Therefore, Christ’s coming into the world was not accidental but rather purposeful. God’s redeeming love was at the very heart, and the reason for His coming. Indeed, God’s love manifested in such a wonderful way to save humanity at Christmas. God’s unconditional love has no bounds; it is unfathomable. It is the love of God that sustains us all through.
Christmas is a time of healing and renewed strength. Even during these times of chaos and unprecedented situation due to the outbreak of the pandemic, Christmas brings hope and a message of goodwill that with God on our side we can be strengthened to overcome every situation. It is our trust in God that will help us carry on with renewed vigor and not to give up. The birth of Jesus encourages us to look up in hope even as we walk through the troubled waters. The message of Christmas is also a joyous giving,” just as Jesus Christ was a gift from the heavenly Father to the whole world. This Christmas, let us realize that the best joy comes only through joyous giving. In this context, a Chinese Philosopher Lao Tzu has rightly said, “Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.”
Jesus lived a life in the essence of love that was beyond the boundaries of time or culture. His life was a life of unconditional love, the love that drives us to search for something better for all. His is a love that extends beyond ourselves and reaches out to others, and impacts the common good of all. Jesus’ very nature and essence is love and we as children of God, have been engraved this love in our hearts. This Christmas, let us strive to embody his love and share it with those around us in our own little ways that will certainly bring true joy in our lives.
Wish you a truly joyful Christmas and a Prosperous New Year 2021.
