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Sunday December 24, 2006

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

True meaning of Christmas

DEAR EDITOR: As a young Catholic I look at the world and in particular Trinidad and Tobago and I realise that we have lost the true meaning of Christmas.

To most Trinbagonians this is just another holiday on the calendar to eat, drink and have a good time. Christians take this time to clean and decorate their houses ostentatiously and fail to do the same with their souls.

At this glorious season families from near and far gather to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Our focus therefore should be on pleasing the One whose birthday it is, namely the Christ Child.

We know that Jesus has no need of material things so our gifts to Him should centre on spiritual things like knowing Him more intimately, praying and reading our bible daily.

In the silence of this holy night, we must dance with joy, rejoice at His birth and sing from the top of our voices, “Oh come, oh come Emanuel.”

As we reflect on all the evil that is taking place in this country, we must still be happy and filled with joy and peace in Christ. Each year we eagerly await the coming of the Lord, His historical coming in the mystery of Bethlehem, His final coming at the end of time, and His special coming in every moment of grace.

Let’s challenge ourselves this year to reflect and bring our family to the true meaning of Christmas and live our lives as if we were the ones bringing forth the infant Jesus into this world.

Remember, Christmas is both a holiday and a Holy Day.
A Happy and Holy Christmas to all!
Renee Elbourne, St Anthony’s RC Church, Point Fortin

My prayer for the nation

Most Holy Trinity, we put Trinidad and Tobago into the hands of Mary Immaculate, in order that she may present the nation to you.
Through her intercession, have mercy on the Catholic Church in Trinidad and Tobago, protect the family life of the nation.
Guard the innocence of our children; grant the precious gift of religious vocations, through the intercession of our Mother.
Have mercy on the sick, the poor, the tempted sinner – on all who are in need.
Mary Immaculate Virgin, our Mother, pray for us.
Eugenio Reyes, Lower Santa Cruz

The babe in the manger

DEAR EDITOR: Allow me to express in poetry form Jesus’ birth in a manger, simply entitled, “The Babe in the Manger”.

The babe in the manger lies in quiet awe
The babe in the manger, lies peacefully and adored
The babe in the manger, will one day become the Saviour
The babe in the manger, is guarded by angels both far and near.
The babe in the manger, lowly shepherds first come forth
The babe in the manger, is wrapped in swaddling cloth
The babe in the manger, is surrounded by friendly beasts
The babe in the manger lies quietly in blissful peace
The babe in the manger, is comforted by Mary his mother
The babe in the manger, is carefully watched over by Joseph his father
The babe in the manger, is well protected
The babe in the manger is joyfully surrounded.
The babe in the manger, wise men come from the east afar
The babe in the manger, wise men follow the star
The babe in the manger, wise men bring gifts precious and rare
The babe in the manger lies still without fear.
The babe in the manger, is why the world celebrates
The babe in the manger, all of mankind will acclaim him great
The babe in the manger, is the true and real reason
The babe in the manger, is why the world celebrates the season.

Ken Smith, Woodbrook

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