Time passes too fast for my liking

Tomorrow's the first Sunday in Advent. In Advent we prepare for the celebration of Christmas, and we await the coming of Christ in our hearts. The season of Advent also reminds us of Christ's second coming at the end of time, and reminds us to get ready.

I can't believe it, but Ordinary Time is over. Advent is nigh. This year's Christmas just doesn't feel like Christmas. And I bet many of you do know why.

I know full well that this Christmas there aren't gonna be many people for us to celebrate with. We're still mourning. I know that this Christmas, I won't be getting the usual smell of cookies and a sweet-smelling kitchen, unlike in the past. Mom's no longer there. I know that this Christmas, home and college are gonna be rather silent. Except of course, for people who are planning to have lavish celebrations for Christmas. I know that this Christmas is gonna be a bleak one.

Despite all this, I do know that this Christmas, I want Christ to come into my heart.

I pray God that I may very well await for the coming of Christ, this season of Advent.

P.S. I have seen on some blogs that some people - Muslims in particular - aren't allowed to celebrate Christmas. Wherefore ? Just because our beliefs are different ? And because of not taking part in the celebrations they aren't allowed to take part in the merry-making. Oh puhleeze, if that's the reason you can't partake in the celebrations, then whoever said this must be really backwater. Because I'm convinced that your beliefs won't change so easily. Like the case on yoga, for instance.

As a Catholic Christian, let me debunk that perception once and for all - burn me on the stake if you will, but I tell you, you can very well join us in the festivities. After all, it's meant to be a time of "peace on earth, goodwill to men" - and how more to show goodwill than to be part of a celebration, even if it's different from your own beliefs ? Truth be told, we get many well-wishers in church during midnight mass - from all faiths, and I mean all faiths - and we don't see any harm in that. We celebrate the birth of Christ, and it's not like we're hitting out at anybody. At the end of the day, it's a question of respect. If you're still stubborn enough to say that you can't celebrate Christmas with us and can't take part in our festivities, then don't tell me that there should be a ruling for us to stay away from Eid open houses too ?!