May the true essence of Christmas live in everyone’s heart!

“When we were children we were grateful to those who filled our stockings at Christmas time. Why are we not grateful to God for filling our stockings with legs?” ~ G. K. Chesterton

"When I hear men killing men all around our world it becomes abundantly clear to me that many of us do not feel that we are one, don’t know the spark of the Divine that animates in each of us which indeed is the same. My heart is so heavy and depressed that


I am having trouble finding means to obliterate this wretched feeling when hatred strikes the souls of our species and yet my conviction of our oneness remains strong because every religion spells out the common unique quality of the human species. Deep down in any of the scriptures you will note we all are One. Every religion requires us to respect others as we expect others to respect us. Just reading the verses from some of the most important religious scriptures has confirmed my conviction of our oneness. Here are some of them:

1) “Lay not on any soul a load that you would not wish to be laid upon you, and desire not for anyone the things you would not desire for yourself.” ~ Bahá’í Faith Bahá’u'lláh, Gleanings
2) “Treat not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful.” ~ Buddhism The Buddha, Udana-Varga 5.18
3) “In everything, do to others as you would have them do to you; this is the law and the prophets.” ~ Christianity Jesus, Matthew 7:12
4) “One word which sums up the basis of all good conduct . . . loving-kindness. Do not do to others what you do not want done to yourself.” ~ Confucianism Confucius, Analects 15.23
5) “This is the sum of duty: do not do to others what would cause pain if done to you.” ~ Hinduism Mahabharata 5:1517
6) “Not one of you truly believes until you wish for others what you wish for yourself.” ~ Islam The 7) Prophet Muhammad, Hadith
8) “One should treat all creatures in the world as one would like to be treated.” ~ Jainism Mahavira, Sutrakritanga 1.11.
9) “What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour. This is the whole Torah; all the rest is commentary. Go and learn it.” ~ Judaism Hillel, Talmud, Shabbath 31a

Each in their own way these commandment reminds us and commands us really, to recognize that we are not separate but one. Beautiful aren't they? They are pleading with us to awaken to our sameness and be responsible for each other. This is the basic tenet that every one of us must practice all through our life. Unfortunately that is not so. All these scriptural messages conveys is that we are all One, often called the True Self, and that the True Self manifests uniquely in each one of us. Once we adhere to this most important commandment, all the worlds illness will come to naught.

In order to explain the deep oneness of our True Self, please let me tell the story of two waves, one small and one large. As they move toward the shore, the large wave tells the small one that they are headed for disaster, for when they crash onto the sand it will be the end of them. Quietly the small wave tells the large one not to worry because it knows a secret and the secret is this: we are not waves, we are water! At our essence, we too are the same, one with all there is. As we move into the New Year may this festive season inspire all of us to realize that we are waters of humanity and that at our core, we are the same, and do whatever we can to affect changes to insure the well being of the rest of the ocean of humanity.

Therefore my dear friends please don’t feign that we are different from one another. Let us in all humility, love everyone, be compassionate, kind, gracious, tolerant and forgiving to others starting this Christmas Eve. This is the greatest gift you can ever give to another and in return receive untold blessing from the High above.

The great gifts of this festive season – (or for that matter in any any season) – can’t be put under the Christmas tree for you can’t wear them or eat them or drive them or play with them. We spend so much time on the lesser gifts – toys, sweaters, jewelry, the mint, anise and dill of Christmas – and so little on the great gifts – love, understanding, grace, peace and forgiveness. It’s no wonder that the holiday leaves us empty, because when it’s over, the only reminders we have are the dirty dishes and the January bills.

The great gifts are like the one gift – the gift that began all back there in Bethlehem of Judea. You can’t buy them, and they’re not on anybody’s shopping list. They come as He came – quietly, freely, unexpectedly – and if you’re not careful, you’ll miss them entirely. G. K. Chesterton has rightly said that we are indeed blessed with these great gifts but never ever either put it to right use or thanked God for showering us with these magnificent gifts.

May the true essence of Christmas live in everyone’s heart Here’s wishing you & your loved ones a meaningful Christmas & and blessings from all around. May all the sweet magic Of Christmas conspire to gladden your hearts and fill every wish of yours!”