The process of Indigenous Traditional Wedding Ceremony Central of Java Indonesia

In Java, especially Central Java, Indonesia as well as in other places, in principle marriage occurs because the decision two people who fell in love. Although there are also marriages that occur because parents arranged marriage that occurred in the past. While older people argue over ancient Javanese proverb : “Witing Tresno jalaran soko kulino” , that is to say : Love to grow as accustomed.

In Java, where family life is still strong, a marriage would bring together two great families. Therefore, according the prevailing custom, the two beings who establish love to tell their families that they have found the perfect match and ideal to be husband or wife. Traditionally, consideration of acceptance of a suitor by the “bibit, bebet and bobot. What is a “bibit, bebet, and bobot ?”

Bibit : background means having a good family life.
Bebet : the prospective bride, especially men, are able to meet the needs of the family.
bobot : both prospective bride is a qualified person, both mentally and educated enough.

If both parties parents and family have agreed, the next step is:

Proposal / Application
Usually that is the candidate applying for the groom. In the past, parents prospective groom sent a member of his family to court. But now, for the parents practical man can directly propose to the woman's parents. When it is received, will instantly be discussed further steps until the marriage ceremony.

In the Java implementation of customary marriages, the prospective bride has officially is the work, the men helped. How the implementation of the marriage ceremony, whether simple, moderate or large party and invited many guests complete with entertainment, in reality it would depend on the budget available. At this time both parties are more open to discuss the budget.

Which party is more busy parents prospective bride. The things that must be done is:
1. Kin invited to discuss and prepare the whole marriage process. Traditionally formed a committee consisting of family members and close acquaintances and each has a clear task. It is also important to determine the responsible party about the dishes, catering which to choose. The selection of catering experience essential, must be a good and responsible and fulfilling its service.
At present, the practical considerations, there are families who have a show, all the ceremony handed over to the Event Organizer.

2. Installation Bleketepe and Tarub
The day before the wedding ceremony, the bride's parents' home and bleketepe Tarub fitted front door of the front page. Created Tarub decorated arch consisting of various Tuwuhan, ie plants and foliage that have symbolic meaning. Left and right gate installed fruiting banana trees have ripe bananas.
Meaning: The husband will be the head of the family in the middle of society. Such as banana trees can grow well anywhere and harmony with the environment, this new family will live a happy, prosperous and harmonious with the surrounding environment.
Wulung pair of cane, sugar cane reddish, a symbol of steadiness heart, this new couple will build their family wholeheartedly.

Cengkir ivory, small coconut yellow, symbolizing both the hardness-strength of mind, so that the couple solemnly bound in a common life of mutual love.
Various kinds of fresh foliage such as banyan, mojokoro, alang-alang, dadap srep, is the hope that this couple live and grow up in a family that always survive and prosper.

Woven palm leaves called bekletepe hung digapura doorstep, this is meant to ward off evil spirits and all disturbances and also be a sign that the home is being performed the marriage ceremony.
Special offerings held before installation Tarub and bekletepe, consisting of: rice cone, various kinds of fruits including bananas and coconut, assorted side dishes, pastries, drinks, flowers, herbs, tempeh, buffalo meat, coconut sugar and a lantern. (depending on who had the job, whether or not such offerings).
These offerings symbolize the petition in order to get the blessing of the Lord, God and the blessing of the ancestors as well as a means to resist temptation evil spirits. The offerings are placed in several places where the nuptial procession held as the kitchen, bathroom, front door, under Tarub, the street near the house etc..

Ceremonies before the wedding

splash of water
Spray from the origin of the word flush, meaning bath. The day before the wedding, both prospective bride cleansed by bathing ceremony called Spray. Prospective bride's parents home bathed, as well as the groom also bathed her parents home.
The things that need to be prepared to Spray:

1. Site preparation to spray, if done in the bathroom or the back or side of the house or yard.
2. A list of people who will come to bathe. By tradition the bride besides parents, grandparents bride, some elders. Are invited to join their bathing is more mature, you should already have grandchildren and have a reputation of a good life.
3. A number of items are needed such as: a water bottle, bucket, chair, flower setaman, linen, towels, jugs etc.
4. Offerings to spray, there are more than ten kinds, such as a rooster.

5. The family bride sends a pan of water to the groom's family. Water is called holy water perwitosari means the juice of life, the water mixed with some kind of interest, which is placed in a container which is good, to be mixed with water to bathe the groom.
6. The last to bathe the bride is Pemaes / makeup, the prospective bride watered down with water from a jug. When the jug was empty, Pemaes or a designated elders, slammed the jug on the floor and said: "Wispecah pamore". means prospective bride is beautiful or dashing now ready to get married.
7. Cleansing ceremony is complete and the prospective bride to wear batik motif Grompol and covered his body with batik motifs nagasari, led back wedding chamber. Prospective bride's daughter will be scraped by Pemaes / makeup.

Shaving ceremony
Shaving means small hairs on the face of the bride carefully scraped by Pemaes. Bride's hair is dried and then smoked with hundreds / fragrant incense. Start to apply makeup prospective bride. Face makeup and hair bun in accordance with the pattern that has defined marriage ceremony.
When he finished, the bride dressed in a nice kebaya and batik fabrics prepared and Sidoasih sidomukti motif, symbolizing he will live a prosperous and respected by others.
That night, my father and mother be bride gives to her last mouthful, because starting tomorrow, he is under the responsibility of her husband.
Offerings for whittling with spray offerings. So as a practical matter, all the offerings brought into the room spray aisle and become offerings to shave.

Midodareni ceremony
At the ceremony which took place at night midodareni before Ijab / blessing and found (in the Java language called Panggih) the next morning, both parents and their groom the groom, escorted by close family, home visiting the parents of the bride.
Be bride after wedding makeup in the room, looks like a stunner widodari, angel, goddess of heaven.
According to ancient belief, that night the bride was accompanied by a beautiful goddess of heaven. That night the bride should get yourself a room and can not sleep from 6 pm to midnight. Some elderly mother to accompany and provide valuable advices.
Family of the prospective groom that a woman, who came midodareni eve, should visit the prospective bride who was dressed in a beautiful, ready to get married the next morning.
Custom fit, there's room special offerings for the wedding ceremony midodareni, there are eleven kinds of food and goods; except that there are 7 kinds of other stuff.

Room outside wedding ceremony
Midodareni eve, parents and the prospective bride's family, received a visit from the parents and family of the prospective groom. They sat in the house, become acquainted and dine together. Prospective groom is also coming, but he was not allowed in the house and just be sitting the porch front. He was just treated to a glass of water to drink, not to eat or drink another. It is said to exercise patience a husband and head of the family.

Handed over or Peningsetan
In midodareni ceremony, can be handed over or in the Java language is often referred to as peningsetan. (In the old days, before the night is done peningsetan midodareni). Prospective parents and family of the groom give some stuff to the parents of the bride.

Peningset

Peningsetan of the thinner, meaning that bind tightly, in which case the commitment to a marriage between the two parties and the sons and daughters of parents bride will be a family (called besan in Java).

Giving it be : A set of beautiful betel leaf as a symbol of hope that genuine salvation. A set of clothing for the bride, including some batik cloth that symbolizes happiness. Can not miss a stagen, belts, large white cloth and long, as a sign of strong determination. Some crops such as rice, sugar, salt, cooking oil, fruits.

as a sign of adequacy and prosperous life for new families . A pair of wedding rings for the bride and groom.

On this occasion, the groom handed over a sum of money, as a contribution to the implementation of the marriage ceremony. This is only a formality, since dues money is given in advance.
After dining together and become acquainted, the whole family entourage dismissed the groom's parents to come home. They need to prepare for tomorrow is an important implementation of a marriage ceremony includes religious wedding, the bride brings both traditional ceremony and so on.

Quarantine (in the Java language called "Nyantri")
When the groom's family group home from midodareni ceremony, the prospective groom was not invited to come back. However, the groom nyantri (quarantined), then he left the prospective in-laws home. Of nyantri previously been discussed and approved by both parties.
Here's how to order: The prospective groom's parents through a family spokesman told the prospective bride's parents, that the groom was not invited to return and hand over responsibility to the parents of the prospective bride.
After the family home, in the middle of the night he was invited into the house to eat, can not see his future wife and then ushered into the bedroom to rest.
Nyantri implemented for practical standpoint, given the morning he had to be dressed for the implementation of the wedding ceremony. Also for the security of marriage, both bride already was in one place

Implementation Ijab / Blessing of Marriage
Consent / blessing of marriage is the most important thing to legalize a marriage. Consent or marriage performed in accordance with both the bride religion, can Islam, Christianity, Catholicism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism.
Preparation for the blessing / Ijab, to be really careful, so smoothly and safely.
Ijab after completion, meaning that brides are valid as husband and wife.

Ceremony "Panggih" or Matching Bride.
Traditionally ceremony "Panggih" or bring home bride carried bride's parents.
At the appointed time, the groom escorted by his brothers except his parents that should not be present at this ceremony, the bride arrived in front of the house and stopped in front of the door of the house. Meanwhile, the bride is escorted by his brothers and his parents followed, to welcome the arrival of the groom and the house next door stops. In front of the bride, two little girls called "patah” (clamp) brings fan. Two young boys or two mothers, each bearing a special flower arrangement called "Kembar mayang” (Virgin twins). A mother bridesmaids men forward and provide "sanggan" to the mother of the bride as a sign of respect for the solemnization of marriage. Sanggan was a banana wrapped in banana leaves and put on the tray.
At the time of the ceremony Panggih, Virgin twins were taken out of the house and dumped the street intersection near the house or near the course of the marriage ceremony, meaning that the ceremony runs safely and there was no disturbance of any kind and from any party.

Betel Leaves throws (in Java called " Balangan Suruh")
Both bride and meet face to face at a distance of about two or three feet, they stopped and deftly tossed the stuffed betel leaf ties with whiting and tied with string. This ritual is called "Balangan suruh".
Both bride earnest throwing betel leaves with a smile, accompanied by all those who witnessed the excitement. According to ancient belief, betel leaves have the power to ward off evil spirits. So by throwing betel leaves, the bride and groom bride is absolutely true, not false.

Being Ritual Seeds (Java called "Wiji Dadi")  The groom stepped on a chicken egg to burst with her right foot, then the foot is washed by the bride with flower water. Meaning: households headed by a responsible husband with a good wife, would generate a good thing as well, including the descendants.

Ritual Kacar Kucur or Tampa Kaya (received results of operations of the groom).
A bride and groom to walk hand in hand with his little finger toward the front of the aisle / krobongan, the place where the ceremony the reception (Java called "Tampa Rich") was held. Ceremony "Kacar Kucur" illustrates: husband gave all his earnings to his wife. In this ritual the husband gives to the wife: bean, soy, rice, corn, nasi yellow, dlingo Bengle, several sorts flowers and of money metal with amount even-numbered. Wife receives wholeheartedly with a piece of white cloth which is put on a piece of old mat that is placed on his lap. It means the wife will be a housewife good and careful
Note: In the first period, Tampa Kaya ritual, Dhahar kembul etc., is done in front of the existing krobongan senthong middle (Living room an ancient house that was used to make offerings). At present, the ritual still held despite the marriage ceremony was held in the halls of the meeting or hotel. Wedding decoration chair behind a wood carving is shaped krobongan. This is to follow the times and while still preserving the tradition.

Ceremonies

Ritual "Dhahar Klimah or Dhahar Kembul" (eating together with one plate)
In the presence of the bride's parents and close relatives, the bride and groom eat together, feed each other. Groom makes three spheres of yellow rice with side dishes such as fried eggs, tempeh, soy, shredded, chicken liver. Then he scooped his wife, then his wife feeding her husband dressing, topped with sweet tea together. This symbolizes that from now on they will use and enjoy with what they have.

"Mertui or Mapag Besan" (pick up the parents, the groom)
Both parents pick up the bride groom's parents in front of the house (marriage halls to pick her up in front of the room where the event ritual) and let them enter the house / room where the ceremony, then they walked together to the place of the ceremony. Mothers walked in front, fathers accompanied from behind. Both parents of the groom seated left the bride, bride's parents sit on the right bride.

Ceremony "Sungkeman" (please blessing of the parents)
A bride and groom do sungkem the parents of both parties. At first the parents of the bride and then the groom's parents. Sungkem is a sincere form of respect to parents and elders.
At the time sungkem (saluting the squatting position, both hands and kissed knees worshiping the requested blessing), keris groom used first and restraints removed by cosmetic, after completion sungkem, dagger worn again.
Parents with emotion sungkem receive homage in the form of the son of his daughter and at the same time also gave his blessing so that they lead a life of harmony, peace. Without saying the words, actually the parents of the bride are giving symbolized blessing of batik cloth worn truntum that pattern, meaning Have the considerable fortune during life. Both parents also use a big belt whose name sindhur with image patterns with curved lines and curves, meaning that parents cautioned her two children so always be cautious, wise in real life in this world.

Ceremony "Sindhur Binayang"
After Dadi Wiji ritual, the bride's father walked in front of the bride and groom to the bride in front of the seat to krobongan, while the bride's mother walked behind second bride, the bride and groom's shoulder and covered with a cloth sindhur. It symbolizes, the father shows the way to happiness, the mother's favor.

Weigh (weighing)
Both bride together the bride's father sat down lap. After pondering for a moment, the father said: Same weight, meaning father loved both, equally, are not distinguished.

Ceremony "Tanem"
Furthermore, the father of the bride and groom sit in a chair aisle. It to strengthen its approval of the marriage and gave his blessing.

Ceremony "Bubak Kawah"
Bride's father, after the convocation ceremony, drinking salad degan / coconut krobongan front. His wife asks: How Sir taste? Answered: Well fresh once, hopefully people at home are also fresh. Then she joined the drink tasted a bit of the same glass, followed by son and last child bride. It is a symbol that the bride segeradikaruniai petition descent.

Ceremony "Tumplak Punjen"
This ritual is performed by parents who marry off his daughter for the last time. Tumplak means to pour or provide all, parents Punjen is a treasure that has been collected since their marriage.
In this ritual, the parents are happy, krobongan front, giving her ("Punjen") to all the children and descendants. Symbolically to each given a small parcel containing spices, yellow rice, coins of gold, bronze and copper etc..
By holding Tumplak Punjen, parents want to set an example for their descendants, that they sudahpurna task and that the next generation is always menyukuri gift of God and able to perform his duties properly.

Ceremony "Swap Kalpika"
To exchange wedding rings as a sign of love and attachment to the legitimate husband and wife.

Wedding Reception

After the marriage ceremony the whole series was completed, a reception, where both the new bride, with both sides flanked parents, received congratulations from the guests.
In the reception, attendees are welcome to eat food that has been provided, while a social time with relatives and acquaintances. Sometimes, before the reception starts, held classical Javanese dance drama performances suitable for marriage like a musical or dance Karonsih Pergiwo Ghatotkacha, which depicts a loving relationship women and men.

With this dish can hopefully add to the discourse on our cultural traditions ...

regards,
dwh

Gender Awareness Efforts For Women Out Of Poverty

Robert Stoller (1968), Gender is a difference in the functions and social roles of men and women who are shaped by the environment in which we exist. Gender and more to do with the habits prevailing notion somewhere about how men and women are considered appropriate or not appropriate (not unusual) with social values ​​and culture. Thus, gender may differ from one place to another and may change from time to time.
Most people still confuse understanding the nature of gender. For example, if the women do the work that is considered a man's job, it is considered breaking the 'nature' Actually, this is not appropriate because nature is itself a biological trait that comes from God, not a result of the social formation as well as the work environment . Nature is fixed from time to time and its function can not be changed or exchanged.
Nature of a woman such as she has a uterus, whereas men have sperm. The ability to do a job, the right of a person to choose the time, place and type of work is related to gender. However, as a result of differences in the nature, arising assumptions and habits common in society that men have different social roles given to women.
Over hundreds of years, women in analogy with domestic chores such as cooking, cleaning, child care, etc. are not regarded as a kind of productive work, but is considered as a 'duty of a woman'. Those who do not have a break in working hours, it is considered 'only' status as housewives who do not work or only the status of 'join husband' only. The series of work almost 24 hours it put women at a disadvantage economically, which affects the vulnerability of young women to take control, access and influence (read: do control) in the process of decision-making in the household and in the community.
If women have any access at home, are not automatically able to perform control functions in decision making. Given the control does not exist necessarily in the presence of access.
Women's experiences in an effort to get out of poverty is influenced by their perception of the poverty that is built around it.
Women also have a wisdom of its own in addressing poverty experienced, by realizing the factors that cause and support the emergence of poverty, a lot to learn and find a way out ala women.
Thus, in fact required by the women to get out of poverty is the facilitator is able to build awareness of women in understanding the factors that cause poverty and supporters, took to learn and figure it out together and encourage the participation of women to gain access to decision-making and influence .
The rest of the women themselves who will develop the ability to get out of the shackles of poverty.

The spirit of the mothers to improve the harmonica family never timeless, even though they were aware of the injustices that surround from time to time ...
That is the heart of a mother who would do anything for his family and others who need a helping hand and affection .....

Trying to learn from the mistakes of existing ...
Trying to compose a new step in a new chapter to come ...
Trying to move with confidence, that we can ..
Recognizing and understanding other people around us, that apart from us they are also meant for us ...
Co-exist, sharing and mutual respect ....
Together, with the other one ...
We share experiences, joys and sorrows in life ..
Reinforce each other and support each other ..
Removing all the fatigue and anxiety heart ...
Hope future generations do not experience distress, anxiety and violent storms of life ...
Attempting to change, work and reap good results ...
Trying to learn from the mistakes of existing ...
Trying to compose a new step in a new chapter to come ...

Trying to move with confidence, that we can ..
Recognizing and understanding other people around us, that apart from us they are also meant for us ... 



Thank you to Mrs. Pdt. Retno Ratih Handayani, Mrs. Nurul, & Mr. Tumiriyanto. Gbu all.
Best regard,

Ara@smile_dinawh: Belajar Percaya Diri..

Ara@smile_dinawh: Belajar Percaya Diri..: Sobat perempuan yang hebat, yook kita belajar bersama… mencoba, tidak ada salahnya kan ? sebagai siapapun kita. Entah sebagai pelajar, ...

Belajar Percaya Diri..

Sobat perempuan yang hebat, yook kita belajar bersama… mencoba, tidak ada salahnya kan ? sebagai siapapun kita. Entah sebagai pelajar, karyawati, penjaga toko dirumah, berjualan dipasar atau bahkan sebagai ibu rumah tangga yang bisa dicontohkan dan diajarkan pada anak-anaknya dirumah.

Boleh donk klo kita bisa selalu tampil percaya diri, selain sedap dipandang sikap percaya diri membuat suasana menjadi nyaman dan tenang ketika kita sedang menghadapi masa sulit… ujian mungkin, interview pekerjaan, menawarkan suatu product atau bahkan ketika kita harus presentasi untuk mendapatkan sebuah tender yang lumayan besar… who knows lady (^_*)  

Okay yook kita simak beberapa tips dibawah ini..

Yang pertama, berdirilah dengan tegak.

Cobalah untuk berdiri tegak, busungkan dada, angkat dadu (tempelkan 4 jari tangan diujung tulang dada, angkat dagu sampai menyentuh ruas jari). Benahilah penampilan sedemikian rupa agar terlihat tegak, punggung lurus dan bahu terbuka. Busungkan dada seperlunya saja, coba buatlah serileks mungkin. Kalau pertama kali memang agak kaku, tapi kalau dibiasakan untuk dilakukan pasti sip dech ^_*. Penampilan seseorang akan menentukan penilaian orang lain.

Yang kedua bersikap Asertif Seseorang dapat dikatakan sebagai asertif bila ia mampu menegakkan dan mengungkapkan hak-hak pribadi dengan cara mengekspresikan pikiran-pikiran, perasaan-perasaan dan keyakinan-keyakinan yang ada dalam dirinya dengan cara langsung melalui ungkapan verbal yang dilakukan dengan jujur dan dengan cara yang nyaman, tanpa mengabaikan hak-hak orang lain. Tidak buru-buru, menggebu-gebu atau tidak memberikan kesempatan lawan bicara untuk mengungkapkan maksud dari pemikirannya. Jika memang tidak sejalan, dengarkan, hormati hak dan pendapatnya. Berbicaralah dengan tenang, bawa suasana bahagia dan nyaman, bahkan ungkapan-ungkapan yang lucu akan dapat  mencairkan suasana. Jadilah orang yang mengerti kapan harus berkata tidak dan kapan harus berkata iya. Sekali waktu tidak perlu berfikiran tentang orang lain akan berkomntar apa tentang diri kita. Dan jangan takut membuat perubahan. Yang ketiga, obyektiflah menilai diri sendiri No body’s perfect, tidak ada orang didunia ini yang sempurna dan tidak ada juga orang didunia ini yang benar-benar tidak berguna. Sehingga jujurlah menilai diri sendiri, jangan selalu menganggap diri kita tidak mampu dan orang lain selalu lebih unggul. Semua sama, meskipun masing-masing kita memiliki keahlian dan keunikan yang berbeda-beda. Tuhan menciptakan makluk ciptaanNYA semua baik, tinggal bagaimana kita mengelola dan mengembangkan keunikan atau kelebihan yang kita miliki dalam situasi apapun. So, untuk apa minder ? kita masing-masing memiliki porsi sendiri, jangan remehkan ciptaan Tuhan dan akan janjiNYA.   Yang keempat, Buanglah Rasa Takut Biasanya orang yang tidak percaya diri akan selalu kesulitan untuk mengungkapkan siapa dirinya kepada orang lain. Cara mudah untuk bernai menghadapi orang lain adalah menatap mata lawan bicara kita, atau apabila tetap tidak berani tatap antara alisnya tetapi jangan memandanginya. Menatap lain dengan memandang, kalau memandang biasanya kita memperhatikan lawan bicara. Bagaimana cara bicaranya, bagaimana mimic wajahnya. Boleh saja seperti itu asal jangan kelewatan, apalagi kalau sampai ngiler nggak karuan (^_*). Belajarlah untuk menatap mata lawan bicara pada orang-orang disekitar kita dulu, setelah itu kembangkan dengan menatap lawan bicara dimanapun berada. Yang kelima adalah, Sedikit Basa Basi Cobalah untuk bersikap basa basi sedikit, tetapi jangan kebablasan ntar bisa basi beneran karena membosankan. Tidak semua basa basi itu jelek kok, untuk meningkatkan rasa percaya diri bolehlah kita mencobanya.. Yang keenam, Berbicaralah yang lugas Salah satu ciri orang yang kurang percaya diri adalah tidak berbicara secara lugas, selalu muter-muter. Dan biasanya terlalu banyak berkata “ eeeeeeeeeeeeee, anu dan sejenisnya, misalkan “saya akan eeeeee, anu,..eee saya anu…. Dan berulang-ulang sambil melakukan gerakan yang berulang=ulang juga. Misalkan berulang kali memegang hidung… berulang kali membenarkan poni atau mengedipkan mata secara berulang-ulang dengan tempo yang agak cepat. Berbicara secara lugas dapat kita pelajari kok, cobalah berbicara didepan kaca. Kemudian praktekan dengan orang-orang disekitar kita. Okay sobat, moga bermanfaat yes… Keep smile (^_^)

Ara@smile_dinawh: Pie Susu... produksi Kota Solo

Ara@smile_dinawh: Pie Susu... produksi Kota Solo

Ara@smile_dinawh: Selamat Natal 2012....

Ara@smile_dinawh: Selamat Natal 2012....: Sekarang Natal dipergelarkan dalam bentuk wah. Itu tidak salah, yang menjadi salah jika hal itu diwujudkan dengan biaya yang luar ...

Selamat Natal 2012....

Sekarang Natal dipergelarkan dalam bentuk wah. Itu tidak salah, yang menjadi salah jika hal itu diwujudkan dengan biaya yang luar biasa. Pada saat bersamaan, berapa banyak orang menanti maut karena kelaparan? Berapa banyak orang meratap dan merintih? Damai hanya ada di dalam gedung gereja. Pengharapan hanya ada di dalam khotbah, bukan dalam kenyataan. 

Coba kita renungkan. Apakah kita harus kasihan kepada orang-orang yang tidak bisa merayakan Natal seperti kita karena mengalami banyak kendala? Mungkin perayaan Natal kita akan membawa kita ke neraka, tetapi mungkin Natal yang dirayakan dalam keprihatinan akan membawa mereka ke sorga. Natal yang serba kecukupan dan luar biasa mungkin membuat kita lupa sungguh-sungguh berdoa. Tetapi Natal penuh tangisan dan airmata, doa yang dinaikkan bisa menjadi gegap gempita di dalam sorga.

Bisakah Anda merenungkan dan merasakan itu tanpa menangis ? Tidak mungkin engkau tidak akan menangis di dalam suka cita, “Tuhan, kenapa Kau pilih aku? Kenapa Kau cintai aku?” Maka keluarlah air mata penuh suka cita.

Natal, adalah saat kita diam dan bertanya, “Tuhan, sebenarnya waktu saya mau percaya sama Tuhan, mencari kesenangan buat saya, atau saya mau menyenangkan Tuhan? Jika memang mau menyenangkan Tuhan, susah pun kita bahagia.

Maka Natal pertama memang porak poranda, hancur berantakan, tetapi justru di situlah paradosks daripada Natal itu. Justru di kehancuran itulah damai bersemi. Justru di kehancuran itulah damai dinyatakan bagi orang yang diperkenannya. Tidak semua orang bisa berbahagia karena Natal kecuali yang diperkenan Tuhan. Anda berhak atas kebahagiaan Natal jika hidup berkenan dan diperkenan Tuhan. Kebahagiaan itu menjadi milik orang yang kuat, sehingga Natal membuat dia teguh di tengah kepahitan. Natal membuat dia teguh di tengah ancaman.

Tetapi berbahagialah mereka yang teguh berharap kepada Dia, karena di antara puing-puing kehancuran itu muncul pengharapan yang luar biasa.

Anak kecil selalu memiliki ekspresi yang mencengangkan dalam menyambut natal. Tak pernah mereka menyambutnya biasa-biasa saja, mereka selalu takjub dengan natal.

Takjub dengan indahnya pohon terang disertai sejumlah kado dibawahnya.

Takjub dengan lagu-lagu natal yang cerita. Semuanya tampak sedemikian indah.

Masihkah kita juga memiliki rasa takjub dengan natal?

Takjub akan pengorbaban Tuhan.

Takjub akan kerendahan hati Sang Mesias.

Takjub akan ketaatan Yusuf dan Maria.

Takjub akan kesederhanaan para gembala.

Takjub akan tekad para Majus untuk melihat Raja yang baru lahir.

Alangkah indahnya kalau kita bisa kembali kepada natal yang pertama.

Merasakan natal dalam kesunyian, membuat jiwa kita lebih peka dengan suaraNya. 

Merasakan natal dalam kesederhanaan, menggugah empati kita terhadap sesama yang hidup dalam kekurangan, yang dilanda bencana atau yang sedang dirundung kesedihan. 

Merasakan natal dalam hembusan damai, mengusir jiwa yang gelisah dan galau.

Takjub akan tekad para Majus untuk melihat Raja yang baru lahir.

Alangkah indahnya kalau kita bisa kembali kepada natal yang pertama.

Merasakan natal dalam kesunyian, membuat jiwa kita lebih peka dengan suaraNya. 

Merasakan natal dalam kesederhanaan, menggugah empati kita terhadap sesama yang hidup dalam kekurangan, yang dilanda bencana atau yang sedang dirundung kesedihan. 

Merasakan natal dalam hembusan damai, mengusir jiwa yang gelisah dan galau. 

Selamat Natal Saudaraku, Tuhan memberkati