The divine 'intruder'

Another Christmas is over! We received as many Christmas cards as we sent and even more! Most of the cards glitter in gold depicting cats, houses surrounded in snow, robins, bells and, alas, some also had the image of Baby Jesus in a crib!

Maybe it's because I deal in antiques and every piece of furniture that I buy needs restoration which prompted me to write this letter. Lately, I found myself debating with family members and friends about the urgent need of restoring Baby Jesus in our hearts!

Christmas is a birthday celebration. We'd have been preparing for it since mid-October/November. Most of us decorated our houses and bought new clothes. Shops promoted discounts galore to sell their products and we all bought elaborate gifts for ourselves, friends and family. Why not?

It's time to give and receive presents. We wrap them in beautiful paper and tie them with lovely bows as we put them under a tree. Yes, a tree somewhere in a corner of a prominent room. We fill the branches with glowing balls and various colourful objects.

We also put angels everywhere, on cupboards, on shelves and anywhere you least expect to imagine! We all get excited about inviting friends for drinks and meals. We eat and drink until we feel sick but, as we promise to start a diet after the festive season, our conscience is watered down and we feel better.

It seems ironic for people to go to all this trouble to celebrate someone's birthday when, in fact, this person is never mentioned or invited!

No presents for Him under the tree!

How sad to realise that Baby Jesus would be an intruder under such circumstances as we make merry - dancing and laughing! I think we need to stop and take stock as the writing is on the wall about restoring Baby Jesus in our lives - if not throughout the year, at least this once during Christmas!