CHRISTMAS TIME « SJ Echo

Wednesday, 2 December 2009

CHRISTMAS TIME

Christmas time is very near. December has always been the best of all the months to me. Not only would this be Christmas season but also a month ending the year.
Shopping Centres would also be decked with Christmas trimmings. At this time of writing though, decorations in some shopping centres are just being put up. Hotels would start preparing for their Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve events.
Most of us will also head home to celebrate Christmas with our families. I think Christmas is just that. A celebration to be shared with families and loved ones.
The year 2009 has been an eventful year for me personally. In life and in my career. Looking back, it is not hard to say that I have enjoyed what the year has unraveled for me. I do hope to look beyond my horizons for the next year.
I was at Singapore a few weeks ago and also saw the decorations at the shopping centres in Orchard Road set up. It looked pretty. Back in Subang Jaya, we seldom see any decorations up or the streets decorated massively for any festivities. Perhaps the cost is just too high.
Normally, the only place with such an impact would be the street leading to Sunway Lagoon Hotel. I wonder what they would do this year as Sunway Pyramid’s theme is a Paris Moulin Rouge Christmas. Subang Parade would be based on a Generous Christmas theme. I am not sure as to the theme set by Summit USJ or USJ 19 Mall. But Pavilion in Kuala Lmpur has come up with a pretty theme, Royale Christmas.
I am still searching for a Christmas tree and to my amazement, I could not easily find one. It is peculiar when normally Christmas trees are usually easily found at major department stores and IKEA. But not anymore. I found some at Parkson and Robinson’s but I think I will look and shop around before deciding for one next week.
I have not decorated a tree for a few years already as my brother would normally do so in advance. But this year, I will not have my brother do it.
I have always liked traditional Christmas decorations. Somehow, the look of a traditional Christmas scene gives you certain warmth and makes you smile.
On the other hand, I also sit now and remember how my article on my pride of St Thomas More created such an issue when some said I should not have written the article but to keep it hushed.
I replied that man should not be equal to GOD and by being proud and keeping the faith should not be cowered by fear. This is my faith and my place of worship. Funny how people try to hide behind some stupid issue and fear another man instead. I ask, are you really faithful or are you fearful that a lie is acceptable? Just look at the signboard and tell me. Shame!
I am not biting my tongue. I am me. I have done similar things in my career and my life. Some may not like it but I try my best to keep to my principles. Even in my career, I have seen and been in such situations that I may find distasteful but yet faith and principles kept me where I am.
Perhaps this Christmas, Catholics in Subang Jaya should also look at themselves. What is it do we want in our lives? Go back, read the bible and also search your faith. Within this process, you will find faith, you will find strength from within. The danger is finding faith from others. It is from within that motivation and faith are cultivated.
Keep a prayer for Fr Paulino Miranda. Keep a prayer that we have our freedom of faith and in whatever language.
Christmas is near. Let us now remember who we are. Let us celebrate Christmas this year with a prayer for those who are weak to gain strength.
Merry Christmas Everyone! And a Happy New year 2010!