What is Religion?

It is the same time of the year again. Carol Singing, Yummy cakes and great dinning with family and friends. But somehow this year I don't feel that it should end here. Somehow it is just not about going for the midnight mass and listening to sermons pointlessly. I feel as the times are changing and the world is witnessing the biggest and the deadliest of  problems, we need to reflect upon some things. We need to reflect upon how we can do something to bring about a change. Yes! I know what your next question is going to be. What can a single person do? What can I do to bring a change? I cant! 

But I say, yes, YOU CAN. You and I, and a lot of people like us who really feel the need and urge to do something, no matter how small, CAN bring A CHANGE!

Now, I am not in for all the sermonizing and giving out the does and don'ts...but I would like to share very simple and basic things we could all do to make our world a better place this Christmas.

1. It is the season of giving they say, So why don't you give up that dress of yours which is buried in your closet somewhere because it doesn't fit you anymore,or it is out of fashion, or its too old. Now I know we all have sentiments with each dress we buy, but imagine if in a minute there was to be an earthquake or a flood, would you be able to save that dress of yours?? So, give it away to someone who needs it. Give and feel that immense joy of giving. That peace which you will witness when you share it with the less fortunate.

2. You are definitely going to dine with your loved ones. Big or small , each one of us has plans for dinner dates. Why not share a portion of your dinner with someone who hasn't eaten all day? Now I am not asking you to donate money!No. I am asking you to cook an extra portion and then share it with that beggar who sits at the corner of the road, or your building or roams around the neighborhood. You can even plan a small luncheon with them.You know take packed food, sit with them, talk to them. Its difficult. It needs guts. It needs the real Christmas spirit.

3. Are you going for the midnight mass? Or are you going to visit the church and light a candle or many candles! Why? Because it is a ritual? Who said so? Does God need candles? Please he has the sun and the stars and lot of stock of natural light for that matter!But oh, we still need to light a candle. Isn't it? OK. Take that candle and give it to a family living in the slums. To a person who would be spending his night in darkness because he cant afford a candle. Easy! You still light a candle. And light up a house. Light up a life!

4. Have you put up a Christmas tree? Are you going to put up Stockings? And then Pretend to be the Santa for your kids? Good. You should. Even I am going to do that. But I will Also ask my Son to give up his toys which are less used now, because he is growing up. And then you can let your child be the Santa for the lesser fortunate souls. When you succeed in doing this, You will secure your child's and grandchild's future. You are teaching them the highest value of giving and giving away with love and grace.

5. And last but not the least, when you pray this year, you can ask for whatever you like. A new house and better car, loads of cash, a new girlfriend. Its OK. Yes. You need to pray for yourself. But can you also ask for World peace. Please? No you don't have to prepare a speech. God doesn't want that. You don't know how to ask for it? No problems! Pray all you want and demand all that you want and then at last before you say Amen, just say these two words. WORLD PEACE. But when you say it. say it with faith, with conviction. 

With the pain that a person who lost his wife at the Paris attack feels each minute.

With the pain that the Syrian refugees feel each moment of their lives.

With the pain that victims of rape, and genocide and mass killings feel every now and then.

With that pain you fear you could encounter one day because of this unrest and terror happening each day all over the world.

Please pray my friend. Please pray. Say World Peace.

The list is endless my friends. And you know it. It isn't about giving 100 or 200 or a 1000 rupees, its about giving it, sharing it with a smile. With the faith and conviction that you are doing all you can to make this world a better place to live in. You are doing your best at your place. You are inspiring others to follow your path.  

Trust me, it works. Love begets love. And sharing begets Peace. I have this faith. And I am passing this down to my Son. He will be giving up a good amount from his piggy bank and buy food to share with the homeless this Christmas. Our bags are ready with toys and clothes and food. Yes. Its not much. May be a few hundred rupees. 

But the joy is countless. 

The peace is immense. 

The feeling is heavenly. 

And the spirit is Christmasy!! (That's something my son says!It feels Christmasy!)

Merry Christmas, to you. In faith and love and prayers I stop here. I know you will manage at least one of these. You will. You have to . For yourself and for your family.

WORLD PEACE :)