This is not going to be a standard Christmas message. I thought this year, let's not have someone draft the same generic message that politicians get their office to churn out year in, year out.
I went to a Catholic primary school in Japan. Unlike most convent schools in Malaysia, my school was run by Canadian Catholic priests. Many of my teachers were priests. Brother Raymond, a tall, curly-haired Québécois was once such teacher who left an impression on me about hard work and fair play.
Everyday we would begin school with prayer. For non-Christians like me we just bowed our head in silence out of respect while Christian students prayed. Sometimes I would recite the Al Fatihah quietly to myself. Sometimes I would just daydream.
There was a crucifix in every classroom. Brother Raymond wore a big cross around his neck on a chain on top of his black clerical shirt. Many of my friends went for their Holy Communion and had their pictures taken for the yearbook.
We all sang in a choir. When it came to Christmas, non-Christians also sang the non-religious songs. I think some even sang the religious songs but just kept quiet during certain lines!
I went to my friends' houses for Christmas. I was given presents. My parents were well prepared so I brought presents with me also to give to my hosts.
None of this affected my own faith. My parents instilled in me a strong foundation in Islam. I led congregational prayers among my peers when I was small. I took part in Quran recitals organised by the embassy. Nothing I experienced at my Catholic school could undermine or shake my faith.
The point of my brief recollection is this: have faith in your own faith. If your belief is strong, no one can make you lose your religion.
And if you are sure of your own convictions, you will respect others even more. You won't view them as a threat, as people secretly working to proselytise you. You might even learn from them as I did from Brother Raymond.
To everyone celebrating, have a happy Christmas.
