How a Thera views Christmas

by Ven. Prof. Bellanwila - Wimalaratana Thera
 
Chancellor - Sri Jayewardenepura University

Christmas Day is the holiest day for all Christians, and the Christians all over the world celebrate this Holy Day in pious solemnity and religious grandeur. The significance of Christmas is such that it now generally considered a time that induces and encourages all to rise above all petty divisions and bonds for people to live in harmony and peace. But none of these features really highlights the true significance of Christmas.

We have to give thought as to find out what really is the true significance of Christmas. As a Buddhist I see Christmas Day as the day on which we have to ponder as to what exactly is humaneness.

To Christians Jesus born on the Christmas Day is the Son of God. But I see him as a great noble human being. The services rendered by him for the good and well-being of human kind is immeasurable. Having been born among human beings, living and growing-up among them, he spent all his life to serve the human beings.

If we consider his teachings from a rational perspective, we would see it not as a revelation but as an the expression concerning the true state of affairs prevailing in the society, expressions voicing the experience he gained from society.

He denounced injustice and inequality and always upheld and fought for justice and equality. His criticism aimed at the oppressive acts done in the name of God and condoned by the prelates of the traditional Jew ecclesiastical hierarchy clearly demons trates his humanistic attitude.

The following quote from Mathew (23) is a good example for this, Jesus said:

“Woe to you, the teachers of the Low and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs which look beautiful on the outside - but on the inside are full of dead men's bones and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.”

“You give a tenth of your spices - mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the Law - Justice, mercy and faithfulness.”The whole life of Jesus Christ dedicated to bring about an ethically good society, where the people will find peace and happiness; to free the average people from oppression of the privileged class.

He said that poverty facilitates this meeting with God. He said: “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is kingdom of heaven” (Matthew: 5)

He said: “Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to entire the Kingdom of God.” (Matthew: 19)

With such bold expressions Jesus tried to drive the point that a life of poverty founded on morality, is better than a life of affluency acquired through corrupt practices and illegal means.

It is true that he had to pay with His life for been truthful and bold to speak up against evils and corruptions. Yet, through his noble life and conduct we see the glistering example of his incomparable humaneness.

Therefore, the true significance of the Christmas Day should be considered as connoting the sublime nature of humaneness.

Christmas becomes beautiful not merely because of the attractive saleable items such as clothes that fill the shops; not because the roads are adorned with colourful electric bulbs that are lit along them. The churches do not become attractive on Christmas Day merely because of the Psalms sung them.

The homes do not become pleasant merely because of the delicious food items prepared in them to celebrate Christmas. Christmas Day becomes beautiful when the mind is freed from anger and revengeful feelings; when people are able to go beyond petty divisions of caste, creed and race; when corruption and injustice are shattered and when morals, justice and equality reign.

With the end of terrorism that lasted almost for three decades Christians now celebrate Christmas throughout the island unhindered and with great pomp and solemnity.

The message of Christmas is peace. But it should go deeper than mere superficial peace. Christmas Day will be more meaningful if we emphasize the importance of transgressing petty differences and co-existing peacefully.

The most sublime and noble manner in which we could honour the great being born on this day is by turning ourselves into good human beings.