AA Edit | A time to hope as wars rage

Merry Christmas! Those two cheerful words light up faces around the world, much like their homes that shine bright at this time of the year. It’s the season to be jolly, sharing happiness with everyone around and shining on.

It’s also the time to reflect and renovate oneself even as one prays and actively participates in the revival of the downtrodden. There are so many out in the cold, it would be such a blessing to play Santa to some, without a clause. The joy of giving is matchless and triggers a supreme sense of satisfaction indeed. So let’s spread love, warmth, positivity and in general contribute to society for common good.

Charity, gifting and feasting are the order of the day during this fabulous festival which proclaims the arrival of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, on Earth. These are troubled times though, especially at Christ’s birthplace of Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank. The country’s bloody war with the Palestinian militant group Hamas that started after the latter attacked Israel on October 7 is now more than two months old. It has left Gaza in disarray, buildings reduced to rubble and people starving, searching for dear ones under the debris, a stomach-churning sight. Salvation seems a long shot.

Violence does cause silence in both the warring groups and the damage — physical, mental as well as financial — is just too deep. It would take ages to get over it but there is hope, in tune with the Christmas theme. John Lennon’s lines from “War Is Over” lend themselves to an apt conclusion: “A very Merry Christmas, and a happy New Year; let’s hope it’s a good one, without any fear.”