Trinidadian calypsonian Crazy has a popular Christmas parang song that gets a lot of airplay in Saint Lucia at this time. Entitled “Put Jesus in Your Christmas” the song’s opening stanza goes like this: “Every year we feting, drinking and paranging, celebrate Christmas Day. Idolising Santa with no time for the Saviour, this is not the way I say. Put Jesus in your Christmas, put Jesus in your Christmas, put Jesus in your Christmas this year. He came down here to save us from wickedness and chaos, put Jesus in your Christmas this year.”
The song has a catchy rhythm which rocks at Christmas fetes with little attention paid to the lyrics. Oh, how different and better, we dare say, Christmas would be if we put Jesus back into our celebrations.
The festive season is no longer approaching, it is here. The call today from us to all Saint Lucians is not to get swept up in the whirlwind of gift shopping, decorating, and planning celebrations. Remember that at the core of Christmas lies a profound spiritual significance that sometimes gets overshadowed by the hustle and bustle: the birth of Jesus Christ. This time around we are inviting Saint Lucians to refocus on the true meaning of Christmas and bring Jesus back into the centre of their festivities.
There is a need in this country to rediscover the Nativity story, which is the miraculous birth of Jesus in a humble stable in Bethlehem. This story reminds us of God’s love and the promise of salvation. It’s a time to reflect on Christ’s humble beginnings and the profound impact of his life and teachings. Engaging with the Nativity story through scripture readings, nativity scenes, and church services helps us reconnect with the spiritual essence of Christmas.
Amid the celebrations, we must carve out worship and reflection time. Attending Christmas services, participating in Advent activities, and engaging in personal prayer can deepen our connection to the spiritual significance of the holiday. These practices help us remember that Christmas is not just a historical event, but a living faith experience that continues to inspire and transform lives.
As we greet each other with the heartfelt words “Merry Christmas” let us emphasise Jesus’ teachings of love, compassion, and service to others. Christmas provides a perfect opportunity to embody these values by reaching out to those in need. Acts of kindness, charity, and service are powerful ways to honour the spirit of Christ. Whether it is volunteering, donating to charity, or simply showing extra kindness to those around us, these actions bring Jesus’ message to life and remind us of the true essence of Christmas.
We are not forgetting the strengthening of bonds with family and community. Sharing the joy of the season with loved ones, discussing the story of Jesus, and incorporating faith-based traditions into family celebrations help create meaningful connections. These moments foster a sense of unity and remind us of the love and support that are central to the Christian faith, as a nation of Christians.
All we are saying here is that while it is natural to enjoy the festive activities and traditions of Christmas, it’s important to celebrate in a way that honours its true meaning. This might involve simplifying our celebrations to focus more on spiritual reflection and less on material excess, something we know is difficult for many in Saint Lucia. But that does not mean we cannot try.
We believe that putting Jesus at the centre of Christmas helps us rediscover the profound joy and peace that come from celebrating his birth. By focusing on the spiritual significance of the holiday, engaging in acts of love and charity, and strengthening our faith and community bonds, we can create a Christmas season that truly reflects the heart of the Christian faith, which is dominant in Saint Lucia
We reiterate that Christmas is not just a time for merrymaking, but a sacred opportunity to reflect on the greatest gift of all: the birth of Jesus Christ.
Merry Christmas to every living Saint Lucian both here and in the diaspora.