CHRISTMAS OBSERVANCES WORLDWIDE have similarities, but there is some uniqueness from one country, or place, to another. Here in Nairobi, signs of the Christmas season begin around December 10 and end around January 5 when schools start reopening. The season starts even earlier for marketers and entrepreneurs.

As the season approaches, a majority of city residents start a massive journey up-country to reunite with extended family members and spend time together—something they've not been able to do within the year because of job demands and the city's hustle and bustle. Streets are vacated, and the city environment gets to a record calm. Once in the countryside, people celebrate in their own way. Sharing a meal of roasted goat is the norm. At this time, people are very hospitable; "Merry Christmas" is the standard salutation. Many outward Christmas traditions are observed. On the eve of Christmas, Christians converge in their church auditoriums to watch the story of Jesus' birth acted out. Carols are played and replayed on all radio stations (my favorite is "Joy to the World").

Whereas many kinds of celebrations contain examples of the healing Christ in action, some negative acts show the direct opposite of this season of joy. For example, in my rural village and in many other villages, people indulge in alcohol consumption, which mostly ends in fights. Also, at this time of the year, governments often caution citizens to be vigilant, as cases of theft are at times high. In addition, some workers take bribes explicitly.

These instances are unfortunate, but I've realized that they should not discourage us or obscure the bigger picture of Christly rebirth in ourselves. We should not fear these things in society or ignore them, but instead heal them at an individual level. I've learned that knowledge of Christian Science keeps one free from ostentatious consumerism and the hullabaloo surrounding this time of the year. Whereas you can't stop others from doing what they're doing, one can "stand porter at the door of thought," as it says in Science and Health (p. 392), and prevent oneself from being lured into anything that takes the focus off what Christmas truly means; though, I think at the same time, it's also important not to act "holier-than-thou."

True and accurate Christmas celebrations involve moments of receiving and sharing the Christ. God shares with us the Christly spiritual qualities of joy, grace, calm. And we reflect these divine qualities out to others. When one doesn't have money to buy someone a gift, one should not feel deficient, as love can be shared spiritually without the necessity of material symbolism.

I'll illustrate with my Christmas experience last year. I was at a low ebb financially. Feelings of being isolated from my celebrating neighbors persisted in my thought, but a Christly message reminded me that I didn't have to feel alone and disconnected from Love. Then I recalled a camera my uncle had loaned me. I dressed and walked out of the house where I'd cocooned myself. As I sauntered the village streets, I got invitations from different neighbors to partake of sikukuu ("celebration") with them. And in gratitude, I took their photos, some of which really captivated them.

Often, subtle thoughts impose various reasons on us as to why we will miss out during Christmas. For example, some convince us that we don't have money to buy goods to celebrate. But looking with a spiritual eye, we all have enough in Love for ourselves and to share. We can give forgiveness to those who've wronged us and seek it from those we've wronged, extending love and reconciliation to others. Such gifts are far more precious and invaluable, and give deeper satisfaction than material objects.

However, solemn spiritual celebration (invisible to the eye) shouldn't bar us from dancing when music is played during the annual family barbecue or taking a big piece of the roast when it's offered! Focusing on the spiritual meaning of Christmas stops us from being mesmerized by consumerism and indulging in unsubstantial festivities that might make us overlook God's impartation of the Christ to us. Seeing the spiritual view prevents us from valuing rituals at the expense of discerning God's message of healing to humanity.

Christmas, as many Christians contend, is beyond a cyclic season that comes and goes. Christ-moments can be with us every day of the year. This happens when we "prepare the manger" for the birth of inspired thoughts, shed mental clutter, and are receptive to messages from God sent to us every moment. Indeed, the Christ is "the same yesterday, and to-day, and for ever" (Heb. 13:8), and is not reserved for December 25. As we celebrate, we can remember to hold on to the Christly moments even after the festivities. We don't need to shelve them for next year. |css