"In the world ye shall have tribulations but be of good cheer"

by Richard Dwight

Although the season of 'Peace and Good-will' is upon us, we in Sri Lanka are living in contradictory times. For, while we talk of peace on the one hand, there is on the other violence and terrorism.

All of us are aware that through this wave of hatred and animosity there has been a number of lives lost and with it a great deal of damage wrought to both buildings and property.

"The death of another diminishes me." Such a situation must as expected give rise to problems of refugees with its many attendant needs of food, clothing and shelter.

Our country is verily bleeding and in really dire straits and we may therefore be forgiven if in despondency we cry out, why, should this state of affairs be allowed to continue?

During this time of Christmas we will do well not to be affected by what is happening around us - rather than feeling despondent and disheartened, we must look to our Lord and saviour with fervent prayer, and diligently seek His guidance.

Perhaps this Christmas, He is speaking to us of this land, as He did of old. "In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer I have overcome the world."

We should also not lose sight of the fact that there was violence even during the season of the first ever Christmas, where the parents of our Lord were forced to flee with Him from Nazareth.

Probably this Christmas, we as Christians are summoned to make sure that our celebrations this year take a different form altogether.

Our happiness and joy should abound by reaching out to those who are rendered homeless by the recent strife and turmoil.

We must enter into their time of sorrow and provide for their needs.

This indeed is the clarion call, and if we faithfully abide by this, then it would be truly a spiritual Christmas for us Christians and will give life and meaning to the master's words.

"I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was sick and you visited me."