early times report
Jammu, Dec 16: Today is Christmas—the day when Jesus Christ was born. Christmas and Jesus are deeply connected, because Christianity came into existence only because of Jesus. Today we say, “He is a Christian.” But before Jesus, there was no such identity as a Christian. One person came, and from his life, an entire tradition was born.
When a flower blooms anywhere in the world, its fragrance spreads everywhere. A flower does not bloom for itself; its fragrance spreads on its own. A person who realizes, “I am an immortal soul living inside this mortal body”—what Jesus called “water”—has truly blossomed. Jesus himself was one such beautiful, fully bloomed flower.
Throughout his life, Jesus repeated one simple message again and again—love is God. “Love your neighbor” were his most beloved words. When someone who has understood the truth of life comes into the world, it takes time for his fragrance to spread. Why? Because the world does not immediately understand the faith he speaks about.
Jesus clearly said, “If there is hatred in your heart for anyone, you cannot be my Christian.” This was his teaching. But when he declared that he was the Son of God, many people were disturbed. They said, “If the Son of God has come alive before us, then what will happen to idol worship?”
Often, those who feel uncomfortable within religion are the ones who turn religion into illusion instead of a path to truth. Such people created a conspiracy. They went to the Roman governor of that time and said that Jesus was insulting religion, calling himself the Son of God and the King of the Jews, and therefore deserved punishment.
The governor said, “I do not see any crime in this.” But under pressure from the crowd, a decision was taken according to a custom.
That day was Passover, when people could choose to forgive one of two prisoners. On one side was Barabbas, a cruel criminal; on the other was Jesus. It was expected that people would choose Jesus, but surprisingly the crowd shouted, “Release Barabbas and crucify Jesus!”
From there, the path to Jesus’ crucifixion began. As he was being taken to the cross, it is said that the universe asked him, “What do you wish?” Jesus replied, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing. When they understand, they will regret it.”
Even today, two thousand years later, the question remains—have we learned anything from Jesus being crucified? He gave his life for the message “Love your neighbor” and “Love is God.” Today, more than 1.25 billion people belong to Jesus’ family, but does his love live within us?
Today is a day to awaken. Today is Jesus’ day. Cut the cake, offer flowers, and celebrate. But true Christmas will come only when we ourselves become flowers—flowers of love, forgiveness, and compassion.
Rise above hatred and wrongdoing. Understand the love of Jesus. When we begin to see the same soul in every human being, when we realize that the same “water” flows within everyone—only then will there be a true meeting with Jesus, with God. And only then will our lives truly become meaningful.
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