It's Christmas !!

Yes!!! It's Christmas again !!

As usual, we had a Christmas meal. We all seemed be happy; but unfortunately not all. Is it strange for being sad on Christmas day?! I remember my first Christmas, two years ago, I just lost my parents, my mom died six months after my dad's. I was so sad at that time, I could not eat but wept.

This Christmas eve, I saw at least one of my friend was so sad. As a new comer, she felt being treated improperly by her working partner - who is also one among us. I don't want to tell her story here, but this is why I was struck by this Christmas Message of Mgr. Suharyo, Pr, Bishop of Semarang. I quote it and translate it to English :

One day, Guru brought his disciples to take a walk. They reached a field where many children were playing there. Saw the children, one disciples said, "Guru, behold, how the children are so happy". But Guru answered, "Yes, seem, but actually they are not". The disciples was surprised, "What do you mean?" Guru said, "Let's collect our coins, through to the midst of them, and let's see what will be happened"

So, the disciples did it. Then? Even the coins were still in the air, the children spontaneously left their game, run to the coins, started fighting and shouting one each other to get the coins as many as possible.

Guru looked at the disciples, smiled and asked, "Do you understand now?"

I think it is better Guru not to explain it anymore, since every disciple would have their own interpretation depend on his/her disposition. Like me, with my experience and with my friend's experience.

How I hope and pray for, that celebrating Christmas not only "the joy of playing in the field" but the genuine joy because the Lord is among us, in our reality. As you can see in the picture above, it is the crip I put in my office - I work (can be said) alone to solve the IT's problems, I often feel hopeless of not having somebody for discussing and consulting; but in reality I am not alone. My Lord is with me - help me - console me, in His own special way. So that, allow me to quote this one phrase (of song) : "....when I need you, just close my eyes and I am with you ..........."

First Christmas is about two thousands plus years ago, but it will never become "obsolete". It always fit forever - for any situation - for any place - for any person !!

Merry Christmas for you all!!