In the Christian faith, there's no other more joyous celebration than the birth of Jesus Christ, an event as equally important as His death and resurrection.
Christmas is an important day as it is characterised in the form of handing out gifts, 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, which are an important tradition in the Christian faith.
Approximately, in the 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 one full of goodwill and love to all persons, a time of sparkling lights, extravagant decor, melodious music and good food. Indeed it is a wonderful family and religious event for Christians. It is also a day of stock-taking, self reflections and meditation on the importance of this fest.
What makes it more fun is the Father Christmas - known as Santa Claus in some areas. This is a popular mythological figure in many countries associated with the bringing of gifts for children.
However, let us remember, too, those whose lives are plagued with difficulty and distress. It is hard fact that so many among the followers of the faith graciously opened their hearts, and their pocketbooks, to those in need during this holiday season. We must bear in mind that our communities are better, thanks to the outpouring of generosity of others. Let’s try to cling on to that spirit of caring and sharing.
We must at this point reiterate the unique inter-faith coexistence in this country. The Gambia is among the few countries where Muslims and Christians live harmoniously (side-by-side). The Gambia has been widely renowned for its interfaith tolerance. For instance, if you visit The Gambia during the month of December, you will think the whole country are Christians, whereas if you visit during the Holy month of Ramadan, you will think the whole are Muslims.
We want to take this opportunity to wish all Christian brothers and sisters a happy Christmas fest in advance.
"Christmas is the spirit of giving without a thought of getting. It is happiness because we see joy in people. It is forgetting self and finding time for others. It is discarding the meaningless and stressing the true values."
Thomas S. Monson