As the Christmas season approaches, many are planning the usual painting of the house, baking the ham and preparing the seasonal treats such as black cake, jug-jug and sorrel drink. Given the challenging 22 months we have experienced due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Barbadians can definitely benefit from a refreshing season and a time to share with family and friends. Some have even posited that we are experiencing COVID fatigue. What better time for a paradigm shift mentally, than Christmas?

Yet in all the preparation, all the celebration and the opportunity for a “break”, let us not forget the reason for the season. What tends to be missing for most during Christmas is CHRIST! 

It is therefore fitting to be reminded of our message from an earlier edition of the Outlook Newsletter. For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). In our march forward, we have somehow found time to do everything possible but remember Christ and the true meaning of Christmas. In our quest not to offend, even in our little Christian Barbados we are slowly replacing Merry Christmas with “Happy Holidays”. The true meaning of Christmas has been confused with materialism, greed and other pagan objectifications.

Christmas is not about the food, the clothes, the spruced-up surroundings, nor the gifts. It’s not about getting days off from work or school. It is in fact about celebrating the birth and life of Jesus Christ, and honouring in our lives the principles espoused by Christ through His various teachings.

This year 2021 is ending with more gloom than hope. This is not healthy for a developing nation. We have witnessed violence, high unemployment and the continued economic strain on households and businesses across our nation. Even our value system is being challenged.  As we look back with mixed feelings on the year past, and look forward with hesitation, reservation or eagerness to what may lurk in the New Year, let us bring Christ back into our lives and in all that we do. Let us embrace our country in the spirit of the season – Love. And above all let us rededicate our lives to living for the honour and glory of His name. 

Merry Christmas and all of God’s Blessings for the year to come!