Christmas is very close. Up until Sunday evening I wasn't in the mood for this holiday at all. But then I helped prepare and take part in my church's Carol Service, and by the end of it, I was ready to sing Christmas carols in my sleep. The nine Christmas lessons with the carols - how lovely! My two friends and I sang a Christmas song together for the congregation. It was most enjoyable.

The church hall itself was splendidly decorated. As one walked into the entrance of the church, a warm red light greeted one ceremoniously. Iron candle holders hung on the walls, glowing warmly with candles. The front of the church was held in a soft green light, and the lyrics to the carols were displayed on the screen ahead. At the end of the service, everyone was invited downstairs for mulled wine, Christmas biscuits, and mince pies. Very British.

Things have been slow in getting into the Christmas spirit this year, not only for me. I realize that it's mostly due to the political situation. People have been afraid to celebrate, or they've just been so depressed about everything that they haven't had th eheart to look forward to decorations, gifts, food, and lights. In addition, the economy is so bad that gifts to be bought and given are in short supply. Yet, with all this, bits and pieces of decore have gone up in various parts of the city, and on Sunday we heard that a truce had been made by the government and the opposition for the holidays. With what seemed like a sigh of relief, the radio and TV stations began announcing Christmas deals and celebrations. ABC mall has not had any shortage on customers either.

But a thought from our pastor Nabil has stayed with me since Sunday. Looking at how things were back in the time of Jesus, and comparing it with our time in Lebanon now, it seems to be the perfect setting to consider the importance of Jesus' birth into a world lost in hatred and discord. A people oppressed. A country lost in lies and deceit. A nation torn by greed and malice. We need a saviour. Not one who speaks eloquently, nor one with pwoer and wealth, nor one with numerous followers. No, we need a saviour who can bring hope and peace again. We talk of peace and truth. But those are all spoken of subjectively, from the point of view of certain parties and philosophies of life. We need real peace, real Truth. That's what was promised long ago with the birth of the Baby. It is still needed desperately today. Will people come to see that? For those who do, life will take on a new meaning. This cycle of agony and hopelessness will come to an end. This who look to the Truth will see the world outside of its box, and things will take on a different light.

Soon...