Christmas is a time for joy--a time to celebrate. At home, we decorate our house with stars and a Christmas tree. We sing Christmas carols, join the church choir, and enjoy having a public feast and much more. But on the top of all this, we open our hearts and minds to welcome our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

However, the entire plan can suddenly be ruined and turned upside down. It is in this situation when we are not supposed to ask God - “why?”

One of my most memorable Christmas celebrations was in 1987. As a boy, I recited Isaiah 9:6, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” I won first prize.

…and now, as the day draws near to go home, my heart is renewed with deep emotions that severely struck my heart in December 15, 2010. All tension in waiting for his children’s final examination results were over. God answered our (his) anxious waiting with excellent result. But the joyous day became a doomsday for our family.  He was taken by God to rest with my father. Now, the entire plan for his final rites was ready. These words were written:

No farewell words were spoken,

No time to say goodbye,

You are gone before we knew it,

And God alone knows why!

- Anon

This time of year reminds me that I, too, am nearing my eternal home each day, and each hour. But, the Bible assures us that “if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens” (2 Corinthians 5: 1). When we were separated from my brother’s body and his earthly construction was complete, he found lasting and eternal peace in the arms of God. Amen.

Our beloved (L) H. Ginlianthang [18.11.1964 – 15.12.2010]

As we begin our ‘journey towards home’ for Christmas 2012, I wish everyone a happy journey. May the Hope of Christmas give you Joy forever; may this Christmas be memorable!