1st Week of Advent: Be a Star, A Light and Hope

In the heart of festive decorations that grace our surroundings during the Christmas season, lies a deeper, spiritual narrative – one that resonates with hope, faith and carries with it profound symbolism. Each ornament positioned on the tree tells a story connected to the roots of our Christian beliefs, representing goodwill and hopefulness for humanity’s future.

Unbeknownst to many, traditional Christmas ornaments carry biblical significance. The bright star at the top signifies the Star of Bethlehem, guiding wanderers to a promising destiny while giving light in darkness.

As a child growing up, each light symbolized a story in the Bible. Red stands for the blood sacrifice of Jesus Christ, green symbolizes eternal life, while pure white echoes purity and peace bestowed by divine spirituality. The blue lights reflected Mary’s faithful acceptance of God’s divine plan.

Bells speak volumes about spreading joyous news far and wide, echoing announcement facets just as angel Gabriel did millennia ago. Even candy canes represent shepherds’ crook alluding shepherd symbolism linked with Christ himself.

Faith is not just felt; it is seen and experienced through these vibrant expressions during Christmas time, adding an incredible depth of meaning to our holiday rituals.

My Christmas reflection this year, will be that on St Francis Xavier as we celebrate his feast on 03 December. St Francis Xavier’s astounding journey covered approximately 46,000km across Europe and Asia and touching the lives of thousands and baptising around 30,000 people. He was indeed a star, a light and a hope! Let’s be a star, a light and the hope to someone this Christmas. (by Vernon Fernandez)