Christmas 2023
There just is not enough joy in our world. Now is the time to right that, and to do so
as best we can. I ask this not for the sake of self-satisfaction,
nor for fake glee. Rather, I seek we be strengthened
to share a world that is far much better than what we now see around us. Truth is we could do better. Nor do I seek shallow self-enjoyment. Rather, I have a simple wish that love and justice
reach a humanity suffering far too much, so cruelly and so harshly.
At this time, I am reminded of a 1974 hit song – Horror Movie. It was a reflection on watching the TV news every night, then featuring far too much horror, by continually showing the brutal war waging in Vietnam. How true that is today with Ukraine, Gaza and every other inhuman war in our world, even Myanmar, right next door to Thailand.
One should never avoid harsh reality. However, just watching war 24/7 on the TV is not the answer, for that only serves to desensitize us to the brutality and suffering of humanity. Is it not better, at this time of the year, for us to focus purposefully more on the goodness and beauty of humanity and creation? That way we may truly taste the joy of Christmas, a joy that is meant for all humanity and for all year round.
What we celebrate on 25th December is not just for one day, but for every day. And, why not? That is why we make Christmas so special and joyful, doing so each day for the sake of lightening the load borne by a burdened humanity, within a world that appears too bleak. Thus, we remind ourselves that hope is eternal. So let our Ho! Ho! Ho! be jolly and let it be heard as far as we can make it be heard. Our world needs more joy. Let us make it happen this Christmas.
Ho! Ho! Ho! Happy Christmas from My Bangkok.
No comments:
Post a Comment