The uncontrolled Covid-19 pandemic has dampened Christmas celebrations this year. However, Christians are urged not to lose hope and still believe that all can recover and rise again.
By
ANITA YOSSIHARA/Ambrosius Harto Manumoyoso
·4 minutes read
SEKRETARIAT PRESIDEN
President Joko Widodo delivers speeches virtually during the 2020 National Christmas Celebration, Sunday (27/12/22020).
JAKARTA, KOMPAS — The uncontrolled Covid-19 pandemic has dampened Christmas celebrations this year. However, Christians are urged not to lose hope and still believe that all can recover and rise again.
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo expressed this during the National Christmas Celebration, Sunday (27/12/2020) evening. "I urge all Christians not to lose hope. The inclusion of the most loving God enables all people to transcend all worries and anxieties,” the President said in a virtual speech.
The Covid-19 pandemic, which has lasted 10 months as of now, has changed habits, including with regard to Christmas celebrations, which have been restricted. The community must limit activities as a form of adaptation to new habits to prevent the transmission of the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Countless residents, including Christians, have lost the opportunity to meet family and friends.
Worship activities also cannot be carried out as before the pandemic. Teaching and learning activities take place at home. Opportunities to meet friends and teachers at school are missing. Most work is also done from home.
President Jokowi called the pandemic with all its effects a heavy burden. However, the heavy burden should not lead immediately to despair. Believers should always believe in God\'s presence at every opportunity.
“In the celebration of Christmas, we will find the light of small candles in the homes of Christians throughout the country. The candlelight reminds us of the presence of God, who is always with us, is present among us, and works for the recovery of His people," said the President.
KOMPAS/ANGGER PUTRANTO
Catholics pray fervently while maintaining their distance and wearing masks during the Christmas mass at the Maria Ratu Damai Catholic Church, Banyuwangi, Friday (25/12/2020).
Therefore, Christians are asked not to lose hope. It is also important to immediately transform to face difficult times. Physical and mental effort to break the chain of transmission of Covid-19 must be made. One of them is by adhering to health protocols wholeheartedly. All must be disciplined to wear masks, wash hands and maintain a distance in order to protect themselves, family, and friends from the SARS -CoV-2 virus.
I hope that Christians everywhere continue to light candles in their hearts, candles of kindness
Christmas celebrations, the President further said, should also be the culmination for the emergence of new awareness. It should be a momentum for self-introspection, remembering to mutually love, care for, and be in love with other human beings. Christmas is a momentum to manifest God\'s love, help each other, care for others, share burdens with others, and always bring goodness to the nation and state.
"Therefore, I hope that Christians everywhere continue to light candles in their hearts, candles of kindness," said the President.
Christians are expected to continue to shed light in the dark. Bringing a new spirit that the entire Indonesian nation can recover and rise again after being hit by the Covid-19 pandemic. Not to forget, President Jokowi conveyed his wishes for Merry Christmas 2020 and New Year 2021.
Brotherhood
Communication and Information Minister Johnny G Plate, as the General Chairman of the National Christmas Committee 2020, underlined the importance of brotherhood to strengthen nationalism as a pluralistic nation. Christians through the Indonesian Communion of Churches
(PGI) and the Bishops Council of Indonesia (KWI) have tried to show cooperation, solidarity, in celebrating Christmas amid the pandemic.
KOMPAS/ISMAIL ZAKARIA
Members of the Mataram City Branch Banser (Muslim organization) participated in maintaining security at the Christmas Eve mass at the Catholic Church of St Maria Immaculata Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara, Thursday (24/12/2020). This involvement, according to them, is part of maintaining tolerance as well as strengthening the various communities
The nations of the world have also made important breakthroughs in worship services, from a physical presence to the network (online).
Moreover, people are asked to continue to support health workers who are tireless, without fear, and even infected and fatal. "All this is because of love, love of neighbors, love of the country," he said.
Be grateful
PGI Chairman Gomar Gultom invited the congregation to be grateful for the nation\'s journey. "In gratitude, we remember that there are still obstacles in carrying out worship in several places," he said.
Gultom hoped that the Indonesian people will become noble creatures who respect differences and live in harmony. Also, Christians should pray for the nation that is still shaken by the Covid-19 pandemic. "Bless the efforts that are being and will be carried out by the government, including the vaccination program," he said.
KWI chairman Ignatius Cardinal Suharyo said, Christmas is now taking place amid concerns exacerbated by hate speech, public lies and greed.
"These are signs of a weak understanding and appreciation of religious life, faith and law obedience," said Cardinal Suharyo who is also the Archbishop of Jakarta.
In such a situation, Cardinal Suharyo continued, the congregation is invited to continue to seek inspiration and strength of faith by continuing to do good. "Whoever, no matter how small the good deed is," he said.
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