The basis of Christmas is course the celebration of the birth of Christ, although saints are beyond the cycle of birth and death. At this time of the year let us turn our hearts and souls to the significance of the life and teachings of Christ.
Being one with the Father, Christ embodied all virtues. He was an epitome of love, forgiveness and humility. An incident that took place in a small church school demonstrates the true meaning of humility and sincere love. Every year a church school put on a Christmas play and the children played parts connected with the story of the birth of Christ.
One friendly young boy, who was about seven years old, was to play the part of the innkeeper at Bethlehem, the one who turned Joseph and Mary away and forced them to take shelter in a stable where Jesus was born. His teacher told him to say his one line in a harsh tone: “There is no room at the inn.” But for two weeks the boy had trouble doing so. Finally, the big night arrived.
His family and friends in the audience beamed with pride when he boomed: “There is no room at the inn.” But when the children playing Mary and Joseph turned away with sad faces, the boy couldn’t resist adding, “But come in anyway and have some cookies and milk.” As we celebrate Christmas, let us do so in a spirit as open-hearted as that boy.
Sant Rajinder Singhji, head, Sawan Kirpal Ruhani Mission, works towards promoting inner and outer peace.
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