Despite the many challenges, it behoves us to keep the Christmas spirit alive. We must remind ourselves that we are all God's children, and Christmas is the time when we celebrate the birth of His son, Jesus Christ, whom He has given as a ransom for our sins.

The words joyous, caring, sharing, loving, etc, reflect Jesus' message - "Peace on earth and goodwill to all men".

Fun and frolic

Our traditions of Christmas festivities are full of fun and frolic - the parties, exchange of gifts, purchasing of items of all sorts, group gatherings to enjoy, the dancers masquerade in the village square, the children dressed in their Christmas apparel and blowing the horns and hoisting the balloons.

But the question now is, will the festivities of Christmas be the same? The answer is indicative of gloominess due to the world economic depression, terrorism and crime and violence. It is noteworthy to mention that our beloved Jamaica is no exception.

I recall the story of Ebenezer Scrooge in The Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens.

He was a stingy fellow who cared very little about his employees and the people around him, and showed disregard for the observance of Christmas.

But on Christmas Eve, as the bells rang out with carols, he was transformed by the spirit of love, joy and peace and so he began to give gifts to his employees and the needy in the village.

Therefore, I am appealing to all the haves: let your Christmas partying be less lavish and, like Mr Scrooge, give to the have-nots to bring a little joy in their lives during this Yuletide season.

A merry Christmas to you all.

I am, etc,

E.N. PERKINS

P O Box 415

Mandeville