The ManicaPost
After a long year that saw Zimbabwe facing the second, third and fourth waves of Covid-19; while parts of Manicaland suffered the brunt of Tropical Storms Eloise and Chalane, it is now the season to celebrate Christ’s coming into the world.
As we make merry tomorrow with our loved ones, it is a perfect time to count our blessings and reflect upon the true meaning of Christmas; to remember that Christ brought light, hope and love to the world.
Christmas is indeed a time to rest the clock and forget about our aches, even if it’s just temporarily.
While there are many traditions on how Christmas is celebrated, what ties together all the festivities is the time spent with loved ones, as well as the sights of the twinkling lights on the Christmas trees and the pleasant aromas drifting from the kitchen.
Then there is the warmth and hope that comes with the random acts of kindness, thereby evoking the true meaning of the day.
The challenges we have faced over the past year allow us to understand and truly appreciate what we have in our lives, no matter how small it might seem.
If, perhaps there are fewer gifts under the tree this Christmas for whatever reason, we can still revel in the priceless love that we will share at family level.
Many have already arrived in our province from various parts of the country and the world, and the unique spirit of our home engulfs us all.
Manicaland is a community that opens its arms to everyone.
This holiday also compels us to think of those who are less fortunate, those who are lonely and those who have lost their loved ones.
As a loving community, it is our duty to extend the support we are able to offer them. After all, it is better to give than to receive.
So let’s count our blessings and go on to bless our family, friends, neighbours and strangers.
Somewhere in Manicaland and beyond, there is a child in need of food and clothing, a senior citizen who needs some medical attention and a lonely neighbour who needs a simple gift of time.
No one has ever gone poor from donating a little time or food.
In fact, the Holy Bible teaches us that those who give shall never lack (Proverbs 28:).
However, this current Christmas season has been nothing like we have become accustomed to over the last decades.
The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted every aspect of the festivities, especially when one takes into account the national lockdown regulations.
So we are faced with the reality of a very different Christmas that will bring together fewer family members together with smaller activities instead of the traditional large scale events.
We can still have great fun and make the day memorable without having to go to crowded places and risk contracting Covid-19.
Imbibers can still drink responsibly and keep in mind that there is no need to drink and drive.
Also remember that speed kills.
As we drive to various destinations over this holiday, let’s drive to arrive alive.
Merry Christmas to you and you.
