We
are in another period of Christmas festivities, and Sunday 25 December will be
the actual Christmas day, to be followed by Boxing Day and more festivities
leading to the New Year.
In
apaproximately year 300 A.D., it was determined that the birthday of Jesus will
be celebrated on December 25, and the day has been celebrated since then.
Christmas
is a beautiful season, a season of goodwill and love to all persons, a time of
sparkling lights, extravagant decor, melodious music, good food; indeed it is a
wonderful family and religious event.
It
is a joyous celebration for every Christian denomination, and it has been that
way over the years.
Popular
modern customs of the holiday include gift-giving, music, an exchange of
greetings cards, church ceremonies, a special meal, and the display of various
decorations; including Christmas trees, lights, garlands, mistletoe, nativity
scenes, and holly.
In
addition, Father Christmas - known as Santa Claus in some areas - is a popular
mythological figure in many countries associated with the bringing of gifts for
children.
Because
gift-giving and many other aspects of the Christmas festival involve heightened
economic activity among both Christians and non-Christians, the holiday has
become a significant event and a key sales period for retailers and businesses.
Somehow
this year, our Christmas festivities in The Gambia have happened to coincide
with a political standoff in the country that has subjected our nation to
uncertainty and anxiety about what the near future holds for us, especially as
we move on to January 19, when the president-elect of our December 1
Presidential election should be inaugurated.
This
situation has, therefore, made this Christmas occasion of a different sort, as
all are living in fear, and business transactions and other social activities
are cautiously carried out as people try to prepare for what the future holds.
However,
the Lord is able to see us through peacefully in this political conundrum.
Let
us all joyfully and unambiguously recognize the true meaning of Christmas, and
celebrate the birthday of Jesus Christ the Prince of Peace by saying it loud
and clear to everyone: “Merry Christmas - Long live - Merry Christmas” and May
God bless The Gambia!
The
Management and Staff of The Point Newspaper wish all our readers and esteemed
advertisers a blessed Merry Christmas in advance. Long live The Gambia!
“I
will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year..”
Charles
Dickens
