Christmas is just around the corner

Christmas evokes memories and sentiments that travel with us treasured gifts of our hearts. It is the time for reflection of the year past, of things we've done to make a difference in the lives of others. It's indeed a time for thanksgiving for the blessings received, and for the trials and pains that helped shape, strengthen, and mold us to become better persons.

"Hay nako" - the typical Philippine expression, I adopted many times since living in the Philippines for good. What on earth am I here for?

The more I look around the world, the more people I'm able to observe: stranded people, but many still have an optimistic smile on their faces. People, who are losing more and more of their bearings and are getting muddled in their lives.

If several political leaders globally confuse us more instead of leading us on the right way, we cry out for a satisfying answer through the institution church. It doesn't matter what season we are in: wars, climate change with natural disasters. Yes, "hay nako"!

Modesty will never get them what they actually deserve. Charity and brotherly or sisterly love, as the Bible teaches us, are becoming foreign terms. Moral and human values are badly needed to drive out energy and vigor in our daily life as we stroll into painful indifference and peppered egoism.

Our daily ill feelings regarding all parts of our life can't be or can't remain as a permanent state of affairs. Incompetent and incapable leaders, who are still able to continue in their own monstrous, unhindered and impertinent lifestyle are every country's poison and reason for decline.

During the last weeks, I received innumerable religious and philosophical literature and invitations from several institutions. I must confess that I have been confused many times. I am sorry and I really wish to apologize, if I reject most "of this stuff", and, if I decide not to answer such emails or text messages. Sure, it's Christmas time, but...

May the love and humility the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ signified remain etched in our hearts. Let not the frenetic gift-giving and seemingly endless merriment be the pristine message that Christmas imparts.

Klaus Döring