People dismantle Christmas decorations and the New Year stuff are still there.
To most of them, Christmas is just one of the joyful festivals. They don’t even have to know or give thanks to the One who contribute to their holidays and salvation. Why I put the holidays first? Because it is their priority. Salvation? How many of them understand or care about God’s gift? Therefore, people go for self-interest. If they give up salvation, I wonder why don’t they give up the holidays as well.
But, God is merciful, He gives holidays to everyone. Even they are not His people; they are also entitled to the joyful holidays. And, He has no intention to take that back. But some assholes are just shameless. They might enjoy the holidays while advocate to ban the Christmas stories and traditions. It might be why there is a multi-faith group, running Happy Christmas 4ALL campaign.
Anyway, it is only trivial because the majority doesn’t care about the Christmas “quarrel” unless you tell them their benefit (holidays) would be cancelled. My friends are different. They asked if I find the perfect Christmas voice this year. Sure. It is the Queen.
Her Christmas speech is almost flawless. Here it is:
Queen Elizabeth II is a veteran who can tackle almost every situation. Through her speech, we could get a general picture and atmosphere of the world. Of course, I’d discount her position as the Queen of the UK. Some of her points draw my attention.
“Families, friends and communities often find a source of courage rising up from within. Indeed, sadly, it seems that it is tragedy that often draws out the most and the best from the human spirit.”
“Of course, family does not necessarily mean blood relatives but often a description of a community, organisation or nation.”
“Finding hope in adversity is one of the themes of Christmas. Jesus was born into a world full of fear. The angels came to frightened shepherds with hope in their voices: ‘Fear not’, they urged, ‘we bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. ‘For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Saviour who is Christ the Lord.”
“God sent into the world a unique person – neither a philosopher nor a general, important though they are, but a Saviour, with the power to forgive. Forgiveness lies at the heart of the Christian faith. It can heal broken families, it can restore friendships and it can reconcile divided communities. It is in forgiveness that we feel the power of God’s love.”
She addresses the importance of our faith – forgiveness. I understand God’s forgiveness. He is the Almighty and can forgive anyone. He is particularly kind to repented hearts. That means forgiveness can’t be granted if people think they are so right in everything they do.
Therefore, I don’t understand the forgiveness among people without repentance. There are many words and cases devote to the methodology of forgiveness and some say you can forgive without the consensus of the object. That is absolutely nonsense from hypocrites.
Perhaps, the so-called forgiveness is this simple. One day, you just don’t care. Then, you forget (not forgive). But, at the same time, there are no love between you and the object. Sad? No one perfect, right? So, here is the advice: Do not cross the line. If you did, do not expect forgiveness but hated or apathy.
The Queen ends her speech with a prayer and that is very beautiful.
Live in a circle with faith, hope and love 