Before the midnight mass, the youth from the Catholic Youth Fellowship, Youth Council and Mustard Seed ministries put up a skit entitled 'The Real Meaning of Christmas' just before midnight mass.

The skit featured situations that many of us face; common occurrences of disobedient teenagers, workplace pressures experienced by adults and even job retrenchment.

The youth also presented taped individuals' perspectives of what Christmas means to them, which set a contemplative note for the message that followed.

It was about Hope - unequivocally stated in the midnight mass - that the birth of Jesus Christ is God's grace revealed and salvation possible for everyone.

And how do we react to this message of Hope - particularly in a time of global financial crisis?

Regardless, we should remember that God is with us whatever our circumstances and predicaments; appreciate His generosity by sharing it with others.