Latest update April 9th, 2025 12:59 AM
Technology and the spirit of Christmas…No more writing Santa Claus when you can tweet, follow
By Rabindra Rooplall
As Christmas promotions bombard televisions, media and online social networks, one gets a sense of the world spinning much faster than it should, with technology suffocating society.
When I reflect on my younger days two decades ago, it is nothing short of amazing how dramatically times have changed.
Children are no longer contented with a battery operated toy. The demand is now on for the latest in technological gadgetry, such as mobile smart phones, tablets, laptops and video games, to list a few. 
Technology will surely be dominating the wish list this year since the diversity and innovation keeps on coming. Now toys even include things like robot dogs, flying fairies and tablet computers.
The people we choose to spend Christmas with are what make it either a joyful or hellish experience.
Now anyone can make Christmas what he/she wants it to be. Just as you can choose to stop people peeking at your smart phones while the gravy is being dished up, you can choose to keep your computer switched off. However, to suggest that gadgets are controlling us suggests that we have given up on the idea of self-control. You don’t have to yield!
But if you do turn off your phones and tell everyone to keep their new tablets in their cases during Christmas dinner, don’t be surprised to find that the perfect day doesn’t miraculously occur. Gadgets are just the latest excuse for falling short of spending quality time with each other. Nevertheless, this year there will be millions under the age of 30 surfing their smart phones while dinner is being served, simply because they are addicted to them.
However, buying someone a gadget for Christmas might look harder than ever this year. In years gone by, you might have bought a gadget such as an alarm clock, that neat voice recorder, or even a gleaming new digital camera. Now the functionality of all those gadgets have been rolled into and swallowed up by the smart phones.
The arrival of smart phones on the market has accelerated everything. They are general-purpose computers.
It’s more than obvious that the smart phone is going to hijack any function that can be digitised or computerised.
Now, Smart phones through its Bluetooth feature can control the television, lights in the house, wireless speakers, security cameras and even the security systems.
God clearly showcased his sense of humour when he inspired people to invent mobile phones and then instigate organisations like Virgin Media to sell them. And instead of being on Santa’s Christmas list, people might instead choose to follow him on twitter.
Nevertheless, Christmas Day is a time to be together with family to have a great time.
With Christmas being much more about commercialism rather than peace on earth and goodwill toward men- which in essence celebrates the birth of Jesus- it makes people place higher value on what they have and will receive ,rather than what they should be giving.
But what is the real meaning of Christmas? Is it the gifts under the tree, the lights in the windows, the cards in the mail, sumptuous dinners with family and friends, shouts of “Merry Christmas” to those who pass us in the streets? Is this really Christmas?
For many people, Christmas is a time of sorrow. They don’t have the extra money to buy presents for their family and friends. Many are saddened at Christmas time when they think of their loved ones who will not be able to come home for various reasons. Chicken or Turkey dinners may only be a wish and not a reality for some.
Look at Christmas in a new way this year. This is the year to invite the creator into your heart. Then you will have a “Merry Christmas.” The joy and peace you will receive will last all year as you look to God for all your needs to be met.
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