I

Love, they say, can be expressed in a dazzling variety of ways. It's about letting in, reaching out, showing true compassion, being Samaritan, perhaps it's altruism. It's giving warmth to those who need it. Shelter to those in need of a refuge. It's about giving hope for those who despair, standing up for the one being bullied. It can be in small things that one finds true compassion, closely intertwined with love.

And sometimes it is just about holding hands. Letting someone know he's not alone anymore.

Christmas is in its essence about all this.

Through all the Advent Wreaths, lighted Christmas trees, shiny picturesque streets, decorated shopping-malls, the ancient message of Christmas is perhaps subdued.

But not forgotten.