Over 2000 years ago the most important event in history took place that changed the course of human history forever. It is the birth of Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God. Christ’ birth was not celebrated by the early church but from 4th A.D His birth was celebrated on 25th December and christened the day as Christmas. Basing on John 1 Jewish scholars say Jesus was born during Sukkot, the Feast of Tabernacles which falls in winter. Either way the true meaning of Christmas is not about gifts, holly wreaths, mistletoe, Christmas trees, cards, etc but its all about Jesus Christ, the Word becoming flesh to take away the sins of the world. Its all about the greatest love story ever told! It is God loving man (John 3:16), the Lamb of God lowering Himself to our lowly state to dwell among us (Matthew 1:23). When Jesus was born only three gifts were presented and it said it all. There was Gold (gift for a King), Frankincense (gift to a Priest), and Myrrh (gift for One who is to die). Simply put, He is the true King, the perfect High Priest and the supreme Savior of men.
Fast forward to the 21st century, in the West sales men and women are instructed by the owners to greet the customers ‘Happy Holiday’ instead of ‘Merry Christmas’ in order to remove the word ‘Christmas’. Whether one likes it or not Jesus is the reason for the season. When it comes to our “Christian” state we are no better. A brief synopsis on how we celebrated Christmas. In our intellectual arrogance many celebrated Christmas with alcohol, sexual escapades, parties and so on. Still many celebrated with fireworks and crackers endangering domesticated animals let alone the emission of toxic chemicals affecting the ambient air causing serious health hazards. Very few celebrated Christmas in the true spirit with a thankful heart like the Biblical blind man ‘I was once blind but now I see’. Did you not know that when you burst a cracker you are in fact denying Jesus’ lowly birth. He didn’t come into the world with pomp and show as expected by Israel of old. Did you not know that when u toss a glass of liquor or indulge in sexual gratification you are in fact rejecting the very Christmas message of “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son so that whoever believes in Him shall perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). We are intentionally trying to incorporate (make it relevant) all these worldly influences as part of the Christmas celebration. God forgive us. Christ gift is not material but spiritual.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ commands us to walk out of Egypt. Egypt is the world system. The world lives in the indulgence of the flesh, instant gratification of the eye and operates in extremely relative tolerance. JESUS ENJOYS SINCERE BELIEVERS EVEN UNDER WEAKNESS BUT IS AGRIEVED WITH THOSE WHO BLOCKED HIS FORGIVING LOVE!
With due respect to those in authority, it is not enough to impose your authority only on paper. Under the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules 2000 states:
Fire crackers above 125 decibels are banned. Bursting of crackers during night time i.e. 10 pm to 6 am is not permitted.
In commercial areas the Ambient Air Quality Standards in respect to noise is 65 decibels during day time and 55 during night time.
In residential areas the Ambient Air Quality Standards in respect to noise is 55 decibels during day time and 45 during night time.
The District Administration is the authority to implement the said rule.
If there is to be a firework; then permission may be taken from the administration, who will give wide publicity to the area and carry out the firework from the place and time specified for the purpose (away from hospitals, schools, residential areas and not beyond 10 pm). This will ensure that panic (mistaking it for gunfire) is avoided and there is least disturbance to people.
If the district administration did control the bursting of crackers the concerned citizens of Dimapur would not have launched the “Say No to Crackers” Campaign. Majority of Dimapurians took the campaign a step towards transforming the city. People in authority, are you on board to fight the good fight? A strong Leadership is what the public wants not Lip service.
Christmas has come and gone. A New Year has dawned. What resolve not resolution weighs upon you this New Year?
To quote Benjamin Franklin: “Be always at War (resolve) with your vices, at Peace with your neighbor, and let each new year find You a Better Man and Woman”. Another brand New Year to be a Better Man and Woman!
Media Cell, The Watchman
