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As the Christian world embarks on the celebration of Christmas in a few days, I as a non-Christian have many questions that I would like some clarity on.

However, my main query is; how did the celebration of Christ's birth come to be celebrated in the way it is celebrated today?

I feel that the entire season of Christmas, if celebrated in the manner it is supposed to represent, should be done in a more reverent way. In my opinion, it is far too commercialized, with the reason for the season being totally obscured.

It is celebrated with far too much wines and spirits - spirits that take you away from the reverence of the season.

To my mind, Christmas should be celebrated in a sober manner, considering Christ's struggle on earth, how his message was met with much opposition and distain.

Why, even where he was, according to the Bible, murdered. Considering his earthly struggles to me, the celebration of Christmas is far too festive, without, to a very large degree, no resemblance of Christ and his mission.

Christ was born to give guidance to the people, but alas, according to Christian teachings, he was ultimately murdered for doing so!

To me, as Christ's mission was so difficult, this season should somehow be celebrated with repentance rather than joy and gaiety.

Indeed, Christ's life was not one of celebration or gleeful acceptance by the people he was sent to guide.

SINFUL SEASON

As it is recorded Christ was sent to absolve the sins of the sinners, why then, for the most part, Christmas is celebrated with much sin?

Many, many people become drunk for the first time because of the free-flowing liquor so readily available during Christmas and with liquor comes the altering of the mind, leading many persons to act other than themselves; causing many to commit acts they would not otherwise commit had it not been for intake of liquor and drugs during Christmas.

Without a doubt far too many atrocious acts are committed during this 'festive' season.

The season should be a celebration of hope, as hope is supposed to bring change, and change is meant to bring a better and more positive perspective on the situation.

However, the old adage kicks in, "all change is not good; just as all movement is not forward." The change in the way Christmas is now celebrated in this millennium is not good in any way, shape or fashion.

We, the people must advocate forward moving motion; movement that will only bring positive results - results that are good and beneficial not just to us, but to all of mankind.

In my opinion Christmas, should be celebrated with fasting, remembrance and repentance.

GIVING

The act of giving should not be so much as gifts and the like, but of substantial giving; giving of your self, your time and your charity.

Is this not the true meaning of Christmas? To me, this would propel the message that Christ taught, and to a very large extent may atone the sufferings of Christ whilst he was here on earth. I don't mean to put a damper on Christmas, but I truly believe that the spirit of Christmas should be to become more Christ-like, not just for the season but also for the entire year.

To be more Christ-like would bring about the return of good deeds, love and peace between mankind in Bermuda and indeed the world. Was not Christ sent to save the whole of mankind?

Muslims believe in the story of the birth of Christ, which is related in the Holy Qur'an in Sura 19:16-35.

Some of the facts are the same, but the context differs significantly. We believe that an angel tells the Virgin Mary that she will give birth to a "pure" son, "as a sign unto men and a mercy from us."

Mary withdraws to a desert place to give birth, alone, under a palm-tree, and then returns with the infant to her people.

When the people reprimand her, supposing she has been unchaste, Jesus speaks up from the cradle in her defence, announcing himself to be a prophet. The ayat ends by denouncing the Christian doctrine of the Incarnation.

DISPUTE

Muslims feel it is an unforgivable lie against God to say that He fathered a son: "Such is Jesus, son of Mary, the statement of truth about which they dispute.

It is not befitting for God to father a Son, Glory be to Him! When He determines a matter, He only says to it 'Be' and it is." God is too vast, too mighty, and too omnipotent!

Muslims acknowledge Christ's miraculous birth of a virgin, however, we do not celebrate Christmas because the Qur'an does not support the Bible's interpretation of Christ's birth.

We absolutely do not consider Christ the 'son' of God. The hope of salvation which the incarnate Christ brings is what we all need to focus on, and maybe the message of salvation would be clearer if Christians would give up the more superficial trappings of Christmas, innocent though they may seem, to make Christmas more an occasion to worship and praise God for sending Jesus, the Prophet as a hope and mercy to mankind. Indeed, this is the most significant and precious "gift."

Bermuda celebrate the season by worshipping God and obeying His command of "peace and goodwill on Earth". Ameen.[[In-content Ad]]

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