Sunday Times 2
Merry Christmas – and an accident-free Christmas
Policemen march holding aloft "don't drink and drive" placards.
It is the general belief that with the advent of December there is a feeling of cool breezes and pleasant mornings, heralding the birth of the child Jesus Christ, which is celebrated worldwide as Christmas day. Christmas is celebrated universally in every country irrespective of the religious beliefs of the citizens of that country.
Belief and faith are the foundation of any religion, and Christians believe in the dogma of Christianity which encompasses the birth, death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Every Christian believes in the biblical history of Mother Mary giving birth to a child who was to be named “Emmanuel”, which means “God with us”, who subsequently was crucified.
The celebration of Christmas should be solemn, religious and holy to reflect on the sacrifice Lord Jesus made on behalf of humanity and atone for all transgressions committed by the human race. There is no doubt that the birth of the Christ Jesus on Christmas day is a day of joy. However, what you witness about Christmas today is that the solemnity and the advent of the redeemer are not observed or celebrated on a religious note but on a highly commercialised one. All over the world the heralding of Christmas is commercialised and the solemnity and religious aspect of Christmas is lost in the melee.
We as Sri Lankans are well known for aping the west. From the latter part of the month of November every commercial establishment, whether big or small, have their premises decorated with Christmas trees, illuminations etc., attracting customers. The print media and the mass media enjoy the highest income from advertising by these firms, but the real meaning of Christmas to help the poor, the marginalised and the under-privileged is completely lost. Christmas should be a time of giving rather than receiving.
n “Merry”
The aspect of the birth of Christ, that is Christmas day, is lost but the “merry” component of the celebration is the one which gains prominence during the month of December and especially on the day of Christmas and thereafter. Instead of a merry Christmas, it should be a holy Christmas. The birth of the child Jesus no doubt has to be celebrated and there should be merry making and enjoyment. Nevertheless, these aspects should not gain prominence or precedence over the solemnity of the birth of Jesus Christ.
n Reach out
Any business establishment has to make profit and especially during the festive seasons to double their profits by way of advertisements and offers of gifts etc., to attract and lure customers especially the children and the younger generation using the festive season.
There are several thousands of poor people living in our country with no proper shelter, food and clothing. All of us are aware of the poorest of the poor living in rural areas without water, proper roadways etc. We have watched school going children crossing waterways by holding on to trees and walking a tight rope on barks and branches of trees which have been placed above the waterways to form a makeshift bridge. We have also watched school children crossing river beds, removing their shoes and having crossed over, wearing their shoes to go to their schools. The big business outfits should turn their attention towards such people and take meaningful steps to alleviate the sufferings of such people by setting aside a portion of their profits to undertake constructive steps to help these people to overcome their day-to-day difficulties. There is much talked about “Corporate Social Responsibility” (CSR). The social responsibility should be meaningful which would give the sufferers permanent relief in their day-to- day difficulties which they are undergoing silently. This is the time to reach out and undertake projects in each area under the CSR so that the meaning of Christmas will be etched in the hearts of those who are marginalised, poor and under-privileged, who are without proper shelter, food and clothing.
nDrinking and driving
No “get-together” or party is complete without hard liquor being served lavishly, let it be the birth of a child, at-home parties, house-warming parties, Christmas, New Year parties, etc. Merry making and parties in the month of December commence from day one and go on till the first week of January. You may enjoy your parties and consume liquor as much as you want, but do not get on the wheel to go back to your house or your destination. If you have to attend parties like this ensure that a friend of yours who has not consumed liquor is there to drive you back home or hail a taxi, there are a number of these now, and get back safely.
Drinking and driving is the most dangerous thing one can indulge in as you are bound to cause damage and injury to others as well as to yourself. Road accidents are claiming many lives. Always keep in mind the damage you will be causing when you have consumed liquor and are not in a position to react rationally to any situation when you are driving. Also keep in mind the heavy fine you have to pay if you are detected when driving under the influence of liquor. Policemen will be out in numbers to detect drivers who drink and drive. Do not drink and drive.
Let all of us enjoy a holy Christmas, a peaceful festive season, and accident free Christmas.
(B.Anton Jeyanathan is a retired Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police.)