A THOUGHT FOR NOW - ANOTHER CHRISTMAS IS COMING; ENJOY YOURSELVES!

So, Christmas is coming, again, as it is an annual event, in much the same vein as we might celebrate the anniversary of each year we spend on the earth.

And, like the particular circumstances which do attend to each persons birthday anniversary, this Christmas will find millions of people having to endure adverse circumstances which makes it impossible for them have a Happy Christmas and a Merry New Year. These circumstances will vary from one one extreme to another. 

For some people, it will be no more than that they are temporarily separated from loved ones, for whom they have the assurance of knowing that they are not with them, but that they are safe. For others, it will be the constant and acute awareness of them or a loved one suffering from some life-threatening or terminal illness or disease, with the knowledge that it is, as it were, only a matter of time before destiny arrive and bring an end to the proceedings.

And for others, it might be the plight of having to try to survive against the constant oppression of their country's government, or cope with the autocratic 'law' or lawlessness of the militias and criminal gangs who have occupied the vacuum which has been created by a weak and/or corrupt local and central government, as we can see happening in some countries in the Americas, in Africa, Asia, such as the Rohingyas in Myanmar, and the Middle East

But, probably most poignantly, are the people who are subject to the catastrophic consequences of conflict and war, as we are still witnessing in countries such as Yemen, Syria, Libya, Turkey, Mali, parts of Nigeria, Chad. For these people, the nightmare has become the constant daily norm, and Christmas is unlikely to offer them much goodwill respite.

Especially, as well as ironically, considering the fact that it is religion which is being used as the key driving force for many, if not most of these conflicts in Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

For the victims of these conflicts and wars, it is daily survival which they are aspiring towards, and the attainment of it which they might, in their own way, celebrate, and not Christmas. Indeed, many, irrespective of their public declaration of the glory of god or of Christ or of the Prophets, might well be thinking that the gods and the prophets have turned their backs on them and have abandoned them. 

But, of course the gods and the Prophets have not abandoned them; it is elites who have, in pursuing their own religious, ethnic and political ambitions and grand plans, who have inflicted these wars and catastrophe on the people. Then turning to the Americans and the West to save them from themselves - being ignorant or ignoring the complicity of the West in starting and sustaining some of these wars - to save the people. In much the same way as they do look to their particular gods.

And so it is that people should not perceive of the suffering which is taking place in the world, as a reason for those of who are able to celebrate Christmas and/or the Christmas holidays, not to do so. After all, there is enough suffering which is afflicting humans, so they/we owe it to ourselves to have fun and take what pleasures we can from our living, whenever we can, because, it really is the case that, tomorrow, it could be our turn to experience conflict and/or suffering and death!

Wherever you are and whatever your religion, endeavour to enjoy and celebrate your living! Not to do so will not prevent or reduce the suffering of others; that requires us to refrain from do attempting to impose your religious or political views and will on our fellow humans! 

If you wish, pray for peace in Syria, in Yemen, in Mali, in Nigeria, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, in the Philippines, in South Sudan, in Egypt, et al, et al.

Wishing all the readers of this Blog a Happy Festive Season and Peace and much Pleasure throughout 2017