Dear Editor,
Christmas season is here with us again and will be celebrated by millions of Christians and countless others of diverse religions, cultural and ideological beliefs throughout the world.
One such is Mohinder, who came to England from Punjab, India, 26 years ago. His Christmas spirit was consumed with working long hours, buying gifts, stocking up bottles upon bottles of beer and whisky and going out with friends from house to house to get drunk. Needless to say, his family life was a mess, no peace in the home, no expression of love with his children. He and his wife quarelled incessantly and his children feared him when he drank.
Then 14 years ago Mohinder and his wife started going to church and embraced God. Today, he still lives in Birmingham, England but there is no more fighting between husband and wife, a better relationship with the children, and respect by relatives and friends. There are still petty problems, but now they face them as a family, with contentment and joy and hope in their hearts and peace and love in their home. Mohinder and his family have found the real spirit of Christmas.
This Christmas, be a Mohinder – embrace God, have a greater commitment to religion and take the whole family to church regularly.
Numerous studies have concluded that the practice of religion and regular church attendance by families:
(a) Is the most important predicator of marital stability and happiness;
(b) Increases the chances of getting married, manifests high levels of satisfaction in marriage and lessens the likelihood of being divorced;
(c) Contributes substantially to sound moral values and good judgement;
(d) Helps significantly to guard individuals against social ills such as suicide, drug abuse, crime, rape, women and child abuse, among other things,
(e) Raises the individual’s self esteem and reduces the incidence of depression;
(f) Is the strongest force in repairing the damage caused by alcoholism, drug abuse, domestic problems and the host of other social ills.
The Guyanese society desperately need a new religious awakening just as the birth of Jesus reawakened the world. Be a good Hindu, be a good Muslim, be a good Christian. Go to church and pray together as a family. The real spirit of Christmas and the essence of good living and real happiness starts with your personal relationship with God .
Merry Christmas, Shub Naya Baras, Naya Sal Mubarak Ho, Feliz Navidad.
Yours faithfully,
Shawn Mangru
