WELL! It’s that time of year again! December has come, and with it all the joys of Christmas, from the frenetic cleaning to the chaos of shopping downtown and navigating the dangerous minefields on Regent and King; and, of course, the foods we as Guyanese all look forward to with bated breath. But, wait a minute! What’s the real meaning of Christmas again? Is it the gifts under the tree? The lights that adorn many a homes? Is it the pepperpot and garlic pork; the gingerbeer, sorrel and black cake waiting in every kitchen? Is it meeting with family and friends, and the shouts of “Merry Christmas” to all and sundry who pass us in the streets? Is this really what Christmas is all about?
For many, Christmas is a time of sorrow, as they may not have the wherewithal with which to buy presents for their children, family, and friends.
Many are saddened at Christmastime when they think of their loved ones who will not be able to come home for various reasons. Family time may be only a wish, and not a reality for some.
Yet, Christmas can be a time of great joy; a time of God showing His great love for us, or a time of healing and renewed strength.

THE CHRIST CHILD
You see, Christmas is when we celebrate the birth of the Christ Child. God sent His only begotten Son, Jesus, into the world, and as the carol goes, His birth brought great joy to the world. Shepherds, wise men, and angels all shared in the excitement of knowing about this great event.
The prophets had told of His coming hundreds of years before. The star stopped over Bethlehem just to mark the way for those who were looking for this special child.
Why did He come? Why did God send His son to this sometimes cruel and hard world? He did it so that one day, He would grow up to become a very important part of saving humankind.
This story is one of truth, love, and hope, and these three words are the embodiment of what the Christmas spirit is all about.
So, this year, aside from enjoying the delicacies that come with a Guyanese Christmas, the gifts we each look forward to receiving, and the festivities of the night life, let’s each remember the real reason for the season.

By Daniel Haynes