Where does Christmas fit in with the violence we have experienced recently in Mumbai and the untold suffering people are experiencing due to recession? How do we understand the message of Christ's birth against the background of violence and global economic crisis?

The image that comes to my mind is of a seed. It consists of a life-giving core and the hard protective shell. Both are considered necessary for the protection and life of the seed.

We as humans have both these aspects. There are times we are in a defensive or protective mode and at other times we are more loving, generous and compassionate.

We need both. We have a part of our brain that helps us survive and it is essentially triggered off by fear and we have another part that is more life-enhancing, love-promoting and growth-oriented. Of the two the survival brain is more powerful.

Recent events of violence and economic recession have triggered off fear and activated the survival brain. We felt angry and wanted to take revenge. We all need to find a way to transcend this brain which is essentially an emergency operator and move on to the life-giving brain.

Jesus shows us the way. He makes us aware of another security that cannot be threatened by anyone. He brings us the consciousness that we are God's children and we are all grounded in the divine. We become like the man who built his house on the rock. This consciousness transcends the fear generated security brain and activates life-enhancing brain.

May the birthday of Jesus which we celebrate bring us experiential consciousness of our inborn security to transcend the protective shell we are experiencing these days so that we live limitless, joyful and love-filled lives.

This is my wish for you and me.

Merry Christmas and a Secure New Year