Christmas Greetings!

As we approach the Christmas season of 2024, we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ—a moment of profound hope, peace, and love. Christmastide, also known as the 12 Days of Christmas, begins on Christmas Day (25 December) and culminates on 6 January, the Feast of the Epiphany.

Christmas is a celebration, not necessarily of the exact historical date of Jesus’ birth—no definitive record exists—but of the joyous event of His coming into the world. Early Christian tradition, inspired by Jewish beliefs that a holy person’s conception and death align, places Jesus’ conception on 25 March, the same day as His crucifixion. Following this reasoning, His birth would naturally fall nine months later, on 25 December. This tradition, which can be traced back to Hippolytus of Rome at the beginning of the 3rd century (most likely between 202 and 211 AD), has been observed by Christians across the world for centuries.

As the year draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the journey 2024 has taken me on. The last couple of years have been challenging due to health issues, which culminated in undergoing two surgeries this year and tested my resilience and faith, and yet I have found blessings and growth in my challenges. I found strength in these trials through the support of loved ones, prayer, and moments of grace. They reminded me to cherish each day, appreciate the gift of life, and trust in God’s providence, even during moments of uncertainty. Yet my trials fade in significance to the struggles and trials others face.

Beyond my personal experiences, the world continues to grapple with turbulence and division. Yet, Christmas reminds us of the timeless truths that can guide us forward—love, hope, and the promise of renewal through Christ. This season offers us an opportunity to pause, reflect, and embrace the true spirit of the holiday: to be a light in the lives of others, just as Christ is the light of the world.

Amid the noise of daily life, Christmas encourages us to reconnect with our loved ones, share in the beauty of human connection, and find joy in the simple moments—a child’s laughter, the warmth of a gathering, or the peace of a quiet prayer. It is a time to express gratitude for the blessings we have, even as we navigate life’s challenges, and to remind ourselves that, through faith and love, we can face whatever lies ahead.

The spirit of Christmas also transcends religious boundaries, resonating universally as a celebration of compassion, kindness, and togetherness. It is a time to build bridges, foster understanding, and extend goodwill to all.

To my Muslim friends, I wish you a joyful and blessed holiday season. May it bring peace and happiness to you and your loved ones, and may the spirit of compassion enrich your lives.

To my Jewish friends, as the lights of Hanukkah continue to glow, may this Festival of Lights fill your homes and hearts with warmth, hope, and the enduring reminder of the triumph of light over darkness.

To my friends who do not observe religious holidays, I hope this season provides you with a reflection on the positives of the past year.

May this Christmas season be a time of serenity, laughter, and heartfelt joy. Let us celebrate the blessings we have, cherish the connections that sustain us, and step into the new year with renewed hope.

I wish you and your loved ones a Blessed and Merry Christmas. May this season be filled with love, harmony, and countless reasons to celebrate the goodness that life brings.

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