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Wednesday, Apr 24 2024
CHRISTMAS
Purpose:
Christmas, which falls on December 25, is the day when
Jesus Christ was born. Jesus Christ had led a life filled
with love and he propagated the omnipresence of God
wherever He went. He was a master of his senses and
conquered all desires. He was also one whose thoughts,
words and deeds had no trace of ego. Generally, people
all around the world celebrate this day by going to
the church and singing carols. However, that is not
enough. This holy day should be celebrated by adhering
to the teachings of Jesus, being loyal to the principles,
practicing the discipline and experiencing the awareness
of the Divine
Story
relating to the festival:
Jesus was born in a stable on 25 December. A star
above the stable was shining brightly, and that star
led the people to their savior. At first, Jesus considered
himself as a "Messenger of God". However,
when Jesus grew older, He realized that he was the "son
of God". It was only when Jesus was crucified when
He declared that He and his Father are One.
Jesus was born for a purpose; He had a mission, a mission
of restoring love, charity and compassion. His heart
responded to the calls of anguish. As his popularity
grew, some of the priests of authority grew envious
of him. They started persecuting him and charging him
with treason.
Jesus was crucified on the cross on a Friday (now known
as Good Friday). He rose from the tomb on Sunday (otherwise
known as Easter Sunday today). Jesus sacrificed himself
for the sake of mankind. He is our savior. On the day
of his crucifixion, his closest devotees Peter, Matthew
and Paul did not even identify themselves as his disciples
since they were afraid of being tortured themselves.
As to how great Jesus was, while He was being nailed
to the cross, He heard the voice of the Father saying,
"All life is One, My dear son. Be alike to everyone."
Although the people were crucifying him, Jesus pleaded
for them to be pardoned. Although those people gave
so much pain to him, He did not want them to suffer.
These are the ideals that Jesus had which we should
all learn to follow.
Swami's message on Christmas:
(Swami made a sign of a holy cross to show how it
covers heart, hands and head). Swami said to install
God in our hearts. Contemplate on Him and undertake
good deeds.
"It is said that when Jesus was born in a manger,
three kings were led by a star to Jesus' place of birth.
In fact, they were not kings but three shepherds. One
of them, seeing the infant Jesus observed: 'This child
will be lover of God'. A second one said: 'No. God will
love him.' The third one said: 'Verily He is God Himself.
The true significance of these three statements is:
To love God is to be His messenger. To be loved by God
is to be a son of God. The final state is to be one
with God. As Jesus said: 'I and my Father are one'.
Thus, all persons are messengers of God. This means
that they should divinize themselves. When can men call
themselves 'sons of God'? Recognize what pure actions
are done by God, selflessly for the sake of all. There
is no trace of self-interest in Him. Everything men
do, speak, or think is born out of selfishness. Men
can describe themselves as 'Sons of God' only when they
are completely free from selfishness and become Godly.
To call yourself the 'son of God', you have to manifest
the qualities of the Father."
- Sri Sathya Sai Baba
"Love must be manifested as service. Seva (human
service) must take the form of food for the hungry,
solace for the forlorn, consolation for the sick and
the suffering. Jesus wore Himself out in such Seva."
- Discourse of Sri Sathya Sai Baba, Prashanthi Nilayam,
25 Dec 1981
"People talk of Christ's sacrifice as evidenced
by his crucifixion. But, He was surrounded and bound,
and crowned by the crowd who captured him with the crown
of thorns, and later, nailed to the cross by his captors.
A person bound and beaten by the police cannot say that
He has sacrificed everything, for He is not a free man.
Let us pay attention to the sacrifice that Jesus made
while free, out of his own volition. He sacrificed his
happiness, prosperity, comfort, safety and position.
He braved the enmity of the powerful. He refused to
yield or compromise. He renounced the ego, which is
the toughest thing to get rid of. Honour Him for these.
He willingly sacrificed the desires with which the body
torments man. This sacrifice is greater than the sacrifice
of the body under duress. The celebration of His birthday
has to be marked by sacrificing your at least one desire
or two, and conquering at least the more disastrous
urges of ego."
- Discourse of Sri Sathya Sai Baba, Prashanthi Nilayam,
25 Dec 1972
"A Christian makes a cross by the sign of his
hands. This has got a very big meaning behind it. The
cross means that we should not be afraid of difficulties
as they are just passing clouds and our faith should
not waiver. Just follow the heart, which is steady,
and unwaivering."
- Sri Sathya Sai Baba
Jesus Christ had made a statement, "He who has
sent me among you will come again," and He pointed
to a lamb. The lamb is a symbol. It stands for the voice
- Ba-Ba. Actually that announcement was of the advent
of Baba. His name will be 'Truth'. 'Sathya' also means
truth. He will wear a blood red robe; will be short,
with a crown (hair). Jesus was Love. Sathya also is
Love.
How is the Festival celebrated:
Christmas celebrations start as early as the beginning
of December. Shops go for a hig "Christmas"
sale, people sing carols, light candles, decorate their
Christmas trees and exchange presents. Many Christians
also spend their time by sitting with their families,
praying and thanking the Lord for how much He has done
for all of us. As for Children, their excitements knows
no bounds at the very thought that Santa Claus will
be giving them presents.
Catholics celebrate Christmas by worshipping Jesus'
mother, Mother Mary, on the evening of 24th December
and Protestants celebrate the birth of Christ on the
25th of December.
Jai Sai Ram
Sis Tanya Wadhwani
SSEHV Group 3
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