We are at the fag end of the year 2022 and are set to bid goodbye to a year that was a blend of opportunities and challenges. All of us are bidding goodbye to the year with mixed feelings, as this was the year when we celebrated all festivals with enthusiasm after a lull of two years. Everybody enjoyed it to the fullest…
The only festival which we are eagerly awaiting now is Christmas, which is celebrated across the globe. The cities, streets, and shopping malls all are getting in the grove of the Christmas spirit. Churches are getting lit up like never before, there is enthusiasm all over to celebrate Christmas.
Christmas is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, who is believed is the Son of God. The name ‘Christmas’ comes from the Mass of Christ (or Jesus). A Mass service (which is sometimes called Communion or Eucharist) is where Christians remember that Jesus died and then came back to life.
During His life on the earth, he cared for the poor, he healed the sick and he never turned away little children. His love is endless and available to all human beings. Jesus taught us that we must forgive. Even as he died on the cross, Jesus forgave the people who killed him.
We celebrate Christmas because, as the angel said, the birth of Jesus Christ is “good news.” Good news is meant to be celebrated. The angel said the news of Jesus’ birth would cause “great joy” and would be “for all the people”—the joyful celebration would be universal. People around the globe would be glad for this occasion.
We celebrate Christmas because, as the angel said, “A Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” The three titles the angel applies to Jesus are important. Jesus is the Savior who delivers us from sin and death. He is the human Messiah (or Christ) who fulfils the Law and the Prophets, showing that God is faithful. He is the divine Lord who has entered our world: the Almighty has taken on human flesh; God and man have been fused in an indivisible, eternal bond; God is true to us.
Jesus Christ is the greatest being to be born on this earth—our perfect example. He is Lord of lords, the Creator, our Savior, and he came to Earth so that we could live with God again.
We will talk about Jesus’s teachings which are relevant even today like love God, love your neighbour as yourself, forgive others who have wronged you, love your enemies and ask God for the forgiveness of your sins. Jesus is the Messiah and was given the authority to forgive others, repentance of sins is essential, and don’t be hypocritical. While he was on earth, Jesus taught the way to be happy, find peace, and return to live with God. His gospel still applies today. If you follow Jesus by applying these lessons he taught, your life will be more joyful and full of meaning.
He also taught, when you replace hate with love, and anger with kindness, you’ll feel closer to God and notice more peace in your life.
Jesus taught his followers that those who live good lives and follow his teachings will be rewarded with eternal life in God’s kingdom. Jesus also taught that those who commit sins and turn their back on God will receive eternal punishment in Hell.
Jesus was known for his teachings because of the methods that he used and the message that he preached. Throughout his teaching ministry, Jesus used a variety of methods that made his teachings both striking and memorable, understandable and provoking. These methods included many well-known methods of his day, as well as qualities that we are still familiar with—poetry, proverbs, exaggeration, parables, similes, riddles, and paradoxes.
However, what set his teachings apart from others was the message that they contained. Jesus taught that the kingdom of God had come and that he, as the incarnate and divine Lord, was its ruler. This kingdom challenged the standards of the kingdoms of men and called its citizens to live in radically different ways.
He said the Golden Rule during his Sermon on the Mount: “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them”. In other words, treat others the way you want to be treated.
As you do so, you will strengthen your relationships and be happier.
So Happy Ho to spread happiness!
