Christmas Sparks Day 08 Silent Night

The first lines of the Malayalam carol ‘Shantaratri Thiruratri’ are also the first lines of the world-famous carol ‘Silent Night, Holy Night’. When we listen to Silent Night, our body and mind mellow down to a peaceful and meditative state. However, the song Shantaratri has a more upbeat rhythm.

Despite sharing the same meaning, the two carols evoke different emotions. Even those who do not know the language can understand this difference. Despite the same words, both the ‘music directors’ have used completely different styles. The result is a different experience for the listener.

We live in an era where we often forget that the only reason we celebrate Christmas is the birth of our Saviour Jesus. Sometimes we wonder if Christmas is the sum total of some gift shopping and light decorations.

Years ago, when I was young, Christmas had a deeper meaning and experience. The days of Advent were very peaceful and full of divine thoughts. As Christmas drew near, there was always a sense of peace and tranquility in my mind.

But today, as November draws to a close, everyone starts to get tense. The rush to put up Christmas lights, to buy many gifts, the preparations to go to Christmas parties at work and other social gatherings… In all that, I sometimes wonder if Christ is present during Christmas!

Will that worry-free Christmas season ever return? Why don’t we give it a try? Why don’t we make a change by going for daily Holy Mass and then visiting our friends and neighbours? Instead expensive gifts this time, why not send a Christmas card written from our hearts to our friends, children, and parents? Let’s radiate to our surroundings and those around us the light of love from our hearts!

When those who see us look for the reason for our joy, let us also proclaim: ‘For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord’ (Luke 2:11). So may Jesus be born in us and live in us! Merry Christmas to everyone!

Silvi Santosh