A Peacemaking Christmas
Everyone has their own way of celebration for Christmas on December 25. Saying words of blessing and giving presents have become our customs in celebrating the heartwarming festival.
A friend of mine asked how many Christmas presents I have received this year. Until today, I have received more than 50 Christmas cards. Some were greetings from my overseas friends while others were blessings from my family, friends and business partners. What a thrill to receive a handmade funny card made with my overseas friend’s family photo! It’s happy to see my friend and his two lovely daughters all wearing a bright smile in the photo and the message written by the two little girls is really cute. Their blessings for “Merry Christmas” make me smile knowingly:
I don’t know why my sister always fights with me but I still love her. Father said this is the reason why we need to celebrate the coming Christmas!
Bible said “If then you are making an offering at the altar and there it comes to your mind that your brother (need to change to “My Sister” here ＞＜ ) has something against you, while your offering is still before the altar, first go and make peace with your brother (“My Sister”), then come and make your offering.”
So… I decide to forgive her before I write this card and say “Merry Christmas!” to you =O
The little girl said it is important for us to make peace with people before giving out Christmas presents. This reminds me of the heartwarming film Joyeux Noël (aka Merry Christmas). The film is based on the true story of the World War I Christmas ceasefire on 25 December 1914.
The story is about the Christmas truce during World War I. French director Christian Carion conducted an extensive research for 10 years. He found evidence proving that many sectors on the front did not experience any fire on Christmas Eve of 1914. The soldiers did cease fire, and enjoyed a warm and peaceful Christmas on the battlefield.
On that Christmas Eve, it was all silent on a battlefield in France. The Scottish, French and German troops sent their officers to spy on one another. However, a Christmas song temporarily broke the tense atmosphere. The frontline soldiers of the three countries put aside their weapons, and even exchanged and shared their very limited resources for celebration.
There were soldiers singing Christmas songs. There were officers singing in response to the songs. There was a Scottish Father administering a brief mass. The armies of the three countries agreed to a truce, and reached out to one another across the boundaries. "Merry Christmas", "Joyeux Noël" and "Frohe Weihnachten" became their common wish in that chilly night. At last, German officer said to his leaving “enemy”, “I never celebrate Christmas, but I will remember this night.”
Perhaps the little girl is right. A joyous mood is the best way to mend a broken relationship, bring people together and share happiness. This is the best Christmas present we should have.
There are so many reasons to be joyful for Christmas: to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, to celebrate gatherings and to experience the warmth of family and friends’ blessings. Before we choose our Christmas presents this year, let’s say “Merry Christmas” to a friend who is in conflict with us, whom we seldom contact or whom we haven’t met for a long time.
To me, the beauty of life lies in love, nature and arts. After years of planning and development, I and my team have established K11 in Hong Kong, with the vision of Art ‧ People ‧ Nature, to be opened by the end of 2009. I wish to share with you the perfect blending of art appreciation, humanistic experience, nature enjoyment and shopping.