The followers of Jesus must be ready to enter into the essence of Christmas in the midst of all external rejoicing and celebration. The inner meaning of Christmas is very evident in the Spirit-filled words of St Paul: "Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others" (Phil 2:4-5).

What we recall on Christmas day is this attitude of Jesus who is God. This blessed memory must take flesh in our individual lives. From the mountain of sefishness must break forth the river of selflessness in our lives. We should have the good will to try our level best to share the joys and sorrows of others and to do our bit to solve their problems. Unless we relinquish the narrow mentality of seeking the good and security of ourselves and our kith and kin, no matter what happens to others, it is not possible to grasp the essence of Christmas.

The divine Babe in his helplessness, inaugurated his selfless suffering for the salvation of mankind on the first Christmas night. Selfless suffering is a synonym for the life of Jesus. The self -sacrificing suffering Jesus endured for the holistic liberation of mankind, is a great challenge to the society of today which is ready to adopt any means to further its own interests, grab position, power and wealth or run after personal fulfillment and comforts of life.

The Church is preparing to celebrate the Great Jubilee- the 2000th birthday of Jesus. On this occasion I wish and pray that the Christmas celebrations of 1998 may open up a pathway for us, immersed as we are, in the multifarious activities of life, to adopt the attitude of Jesus and re-dedicate ourselves in the fullness of the Spirit on the altar of unselfish service. Thus may we resolve to usher in the New Year- steeped in and strengthened by the mind and attitude of Jesus.