People talk and I listen. Moving about Malta and Gozo I watch and ask questions, searching a little deeper than "Hi, how are you?" In the process much is discovered and it doesn't look good. The purpose of writing now is to help do something about situations and bring back the real Christmas spirit. You tell me whether I'm right or not.
Many express their tiredness, frustration and anger. They tell me they work 10 to 12 hours a day this month with a daily half-hour break in between. A good number of these are working seven days a week. Please, bosses, give your people a break and show some compassion and kindness! It's Christmas time, when we remember Christ coming to give Himself as a sacrifice for our sins. If He gave all, can you not in any case give a little?
Everywhere there are Santa Clauses. The stores are packed with them, they hang from windows and balconies, they're printed on shopping bags and loudspeakers proclaim them.
What is going on, people? Christmas is not Santa Clause! Have you forgotten that it's about the Lord Jesus Christ, the King of kings, who came to this earth for us? "Christmas" is Christ's Mass or feast. We are to celebrate the fact that God became flesh so He could die for us. If there's one man that has destroyed the real Christmas message it's "Santa Clause" - and how we've fallen for it. Let's boycott the santas and get back to the real thing and the Real Man.
If there is one country in Europe that is supposed to be Christian, then surely it's Malta. But what's our testimony? Morality has gone out the window - or, better said, "off the island". One cannot divorce on Malta, but homes, families and the young are in such a giant mess that it truly is a sad case. Many young people talk openly about having sex with each other like it's the most normal thing to do. Look at the pictures of local ads and magazines - there's no more standard! Most are based on lust, ego and selfishness. They are promoting sex, greed and a lifestyle that has no more boundaries.
So may I encourage you this Christmas season to get back into the Bible, seek God and start pleasing Him again. Be assured that it'll fill your heart with more joy and fulfilment than anything else you've ever experienced before.
Let me wrap it up with the question about (y)our standards: Where and what are they? One example are the casinos. It is disgusting to see more and more coming to this beautiful land. Now there are at least three already and, with every cruise ship arriving, there's likely to be another one or more on board. Are we compromising our standards to fill the pockets of the casino owners while robbing the poor of the little they have? If the Lord were here He'd probably turn over some tables again. Maybe there's money coming into the Treasury, but can't you see how you're harming this country in spirit and soul? Allowing these wicked practices to come in destroys this beautiful land.
The Christmas spirit tells us to give. Jesus said: "It's more blessed to give than to receive". You want happiness and riches, then give and help someone (Luke 6:38; Acts 20:35).
There's much more to reveal, I could go on and on, but allow me to just say that if there's someone out there with a need, feel free to contact me, a Christian with a desire to do something about desperate situations. In the Christmas spirit, it'll be a joy to help.
The least I can do is give something special that'll help you know this Christmas spirit in a new way. So if you're in trouble, want to change or just need some encouragement, let me know and I (and surely others) will be glad to help.
May you know the blessings of Christmas, as you live out the real Christmas spirit!
In Christ's love and grace.