Feature: Christmas in a Season of Loss and Hope

By Timothy A. Edward

A friend recently shared a profound thought: for a child, their belongings are more than objects - they are companions. From a toothbrush to a doll, these items become trusted friends, keepers of secrets, and listeners to stories. When disaster strikes and those belongings are lost, the child experiences a vacuum that no replacement can truly fill.

This year in Sri Lanka, following the devastating cyclone Ditwah, nearly 2.1 million people are enduring severe hardship, trauma, and scarcity. Many have lost everything. As a result, Christmas is being observed in a subdued manner, with hearts heavy yet still searching for hope.

Lessons from the First Christmas

In moments of loss, we are reminded of the first Christmas - the birth of Jesus, who was given names and titles that carried promises of comfort and restoration. Gabriel told Mary to name Him Jesus, meaning “The Lord saves.” The angels proclaimed Him Savior, Christ the Lord to shepherds. The shepherds said, “Let us go and see what has been told to us,” and found Him in a manger. Simeon held the infant and declared Him God’s salvation, a light to the Gentiles. Elisabeth called Him my Lord even before His birth. Zachariah spoke of Him as the Lord’s Messiah, the horn of salvation. The wise men journeyed far, saying, “We have come to worship Him,” and honoured Him.

Christmas Traditions

Over the centuries, Christmas traditions have evolved, but the world still yearns for the fulfillment: A Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. The Old Testament offers further names that describe His mission: Emmanuel - “God with us.” Sun of Righteousness - rising with healing.  These names remind us that leadership, whether in business or society, requires wisdom, peace, and the ability to bring healing in times of crisis.

Expanded Identity of Christ Child

The New Testament expands His identity further: Lamb of God - the perfect sacrifice. Alpha and Omega - the beginning and the end. Lord of Lords, King of Kings - supreme authority. High Priest - mediator between God and humanity. The Word of God - eternal and living. The Good Shepherd - who lays down His life for His flock. The Resurrection and the Life - conqueror of death. The Way, the Truth, and the Life - the path to God. Faithful and True - righteous in judgment. Bright Morning Star - bringing hope and new beginnings.

For the business community, these titles resonate with qualities of leadership, resilience, and vision - attributes essential for navigating uncertainty and rebuilding after loss.

Christmas in Sri Lanka This Year

As Sri Lanka mourns and rebuilds after cyclone Ditwah, these names speak directly into the pain:

He is Emmanuel - God with us in the midst of loss. He is the Prince of Peace when trauma overwhelms. He is the Good Shepherd who cares for His scattered flock. He is the Resurrection and the Life, promising renewal even when everything seems destroyed.

The wise men came to worship Him. The shepherds hurried to see Him. Simeon and Anna rejoiced to hold Him. And today, amidst broken homes and missing belongings, we too can look to Him - not only as the Child in the manger, but as the eternal source of hope.

Children may grieve the toothbrushes and dolls they lost, because those were their friends. Yet Christmas reminds us of a Friend who cannot be lost - Jesus, whose many names affirm He is God with us, Saviour, Lord, Redeemer, Light and the God who deeply cares for us.

A Call to Unity

This Christmas season, let us - as individuals, families, and businesses - unite in prayer, worship and action. May Sri Lanka, and the world, witness the power of renewal, bringing peace and harmony to our lives, homes, and nations.

For the business community, this is also a call to leadership: to embody the qualities of resilience, compassion, and vision that the names of Jesus represent. In doing so, we not only rebuild economies but also restore hope.