The event we commemorate on Christmas Day, the birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ, marks a turning point in the history of humanity. From that point onwards, two opposite processes started to characterise the life of the nations.
Christianisation, on the one hand, and dechristianisation, on the other, seem to be entwined together in an unending dialectical struggle, each striving to get the upper hand.
Christianisation has been going on for the last two millenniums. It was a slow and painful enterprise carried on mainly by the Church's missionary activity but its fruits are visible and plentiful.
With the cooperation of the Catholic laity, this movement has enhanced almost every aspect of human life including the family, education, culture and the social order. Gradually, and not always nor everywhere steadily, Christian values, such as love of truth and justice, respect for other peoples' rights, self-control, altruism and generosity have been implanted in the very heart of the European societies.
As shadow follows light, so dechristianisation stuck to the heels of these achievements. Dechristianisation is not a mere possibility but a grim reality that has been evolving since the Enlightenment in several areas of Europe and the US.
One step after another, in the mores of the people, the time-proven values of Christianity have been cast aside and instead of them, loose morals, condoning self-gratification, pleasure-seeking and greed have been adopted as common standards by young and old.
One cannot fail to see in this profound change of mentality the intensifying duel between the powers of light and the powers of darkness. This had been foreseen and foretold by the Evangelist, who had written, referring to Christ, "in him was life, and the life was the light of men; and the light shineth in darkness and the darkness did not comprehend". Nevertheless, he does not omit the remark that those who accepted Christ were given the "power to be made sons of God".
One cannot overestimate the advantages of living in the light of Christ; the Prince of peace. It behoves both the individual and society, first and foremost, to provide an optimistic outlook for man's existence in this world and better hope for the future life.
Besides, the lasting witness of peace and joy of a truly Christian family is one of the brightest beacons of light that can be spread in a world in which the values of love, marriage and family life are too often misunderstood and debased.
Since the world is morally dark, and Christians are the children of light and of the day, they are not expected to flee the world but to stay in it to let their light of truth and good example illuminate those who come into contact with them.
In today's world, no one may stay aloof or remain neutral; everyone has to take sides, for or against light, for or against life. Light and life is what Baby Jesus is offering to human beings. It is up to us, to each individual, irrespective of where we stand, to freely decide whether or not to accept what is being offered to us.
Christmas-tide is perhaps the best time of the year to clear up one's thoughts and intentions, so as to see exactly where one stands. It would be a pity to squander this golden opportunity of letting this light shine in one's hearts, in families, and in society as a whole. The light of Christ, after all, is strong enough to drive away all one's evil ways and illusions.