Eyingbeni
Christmas Day is round the bend, and it holds the most beautiful story of giving….
In Nagaland, the season of Christmas begins well ahead of the actual day. And signs are aplenty to herald its imminence: from Jim Reeves’ acronym of C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S, released early in the morning...
from the hill-top loudspeakers, to the ubiquitous children groups belting out old time carols like jingle bells – and of course raising a loud “HIP HIP HURRAY!” if they had managed to collect even a petty donation; from the biggest star hung on a bamboo pole in a house that also emits the fragrance of zütho to the Christmas trees wrapped in cotton to give an impression of (pseudo) snow; from the people flocking to confectionaries and card and clothes stores to the maddening traffic. In short, loud-music, cheer and crowd everywhere are reminders that this is THE season of the year!
Yes indeed, it is a joyous season. Even without much ado on its theological implications, or on whether or not Nagas observe it in an “appropriate” manner, the fundamental fact that it is the birthday of the one closest to our identity as Christians makes it a season worth celebrating! So far so good! But what of those who are unable to experience the pomp and gaiety, the fun and frolic, and the depth and meaning associated with such a season?
It is just as well that Kuknalim.com has initiated a noble program to reach out to those who need a little more personal touch. Such is also possible in one’s capacity as individuals or as friends or as families.
One of the saddest aspects of the Season is to come face to face with the reality of economic disparity, which is most evident during this time of the year! There are those who receive so much that receiving one more is not a boon but a bane. It is an annual complaint of an IAS officer and the family, rather insensitively, that the sight of Christmas cakes is sickening! Every year they receive them in such abundance that they have problem discarding them! Apparently, their cats are a lot more fortunate than few families in their own neighborhood, or even ours.
Consider also those who have no time even to glance at the expensive Archies cards that you might have spent hours shopping – to see that it conveys the most fitting message and has the right blend of colors and is of the perfect size because the recipient is an “important” person (it’s not about sweethearts!).
Certainly, Christmas is an ideal time for mutual expression of courtesies by exchanging presents and cards and goodwill. But to be mindful of those whose lives and perspectives we may help change for better is an opportunity at giving with a difference! Surely there will be many who would greatly appreciate and cherish our giving. And it is not the amount spent that matters the most. Even a brand new pencil may turn out to be a luxury gift for some children! But besides material gifts, it may be the very thought of being thought of that could be the beginning of a new hope in life and living.
Perhaps, this Christmas, the biblical principle: “it is more blessed to give than to receive” is just waiting to be realized! To see a cheerful smile on the face of a child, to satisfy an appetite for a bite of meat, to bring warmth to a chilling body, to fill the hearts of lonely people, and most of all, to make people feel that they are remembered because they are special to the community are humble but significant ways whereby the giver may experience being blessed much more than the receiver. This is neither to say that the giver will be guaranteed blissful returns nor to glorify the act of giving; for even to expect emotional gratification or self-centered aggrandizement is to lose the essence of giving.
Christmas began with the story of God’s unconditional generosity. It was about a giving that emanated from the very heart of God. Today, we can retell the same story by our giving - with an attitude of love and selflessness.
