Today, someone wished me a "Merry Christmas" and then said that she was sorry for saying that.  She went on this kind of tirade about how it is automatic, and that she should be more sensative to those who are not Christian.  But ya know, it was great.  I liked it, and always have.

I wanted to say to her that I wished that every Christian would remember the reason for this time of year.  Understanding that Jesus did not sort out people by religion or colour, or political affiliation.  He was all things to all people.  Jesus manifested good through his hands and feet, and not just with his mouth.  He was always for the displaced, and the disinfranchised.  He taught his followers to do the same.

I look at the story of Jesus, and see that he was just like us in a way.  He was born like us, a baby boy.  He was not born to a king, but of humble beginnings as the son of a tradesman and his wife, just a regular woman before God blessed her with this special child.  I note the stories of understanding, and non judgemntal attitude he showed, even to those who, according to religious law, deserved punishment.  His friends were not royalty, or great statesman, or people of fame or great forutne, but regular people, like us.  Yes, even prostitutes.  The place where he lived was occupied by a foriegn power, and yet he never advocated war or violence against them, or any other person.  It seemed that the only times he was angry, were times when he saw freedoms being oppressed or obsticles hindering thier path to free thought and expression.  Even though the people in power defamed him, vilified him, and ultimately were complicit in his death, he showed them no hatred.  In fact, he prayed that they be forgiven, because "they don't know what they are doing".

Maybe there is a lesson here for us all.  Jesus was human like us.  Maybe there is hope that one day, we can come together in that spirit that guided his life, and find peace and goodwill.

I wish all a Merry Christmas.

Peace

Zanubiyah.