COMMENT | As a Christian, I normally receive more Christmas greetings from friends and associates than on any other festive occasion during the year, including Chinese New Year.

Gone are the days of the physical Christmas card but whether it’s the virtual or e-card, the message of hope, peace and joy of Yuletide is there. To me, that is still a Christmas card, honouring the traditions of the occasion that mark an important part in the lives of Christians.

I’m particularly delighted to receive Christmas greetings from non-Christian friends. It warms the heart to know that those of other faiths remember you during Christmas and that they also share the joys of the miraculous birth of the Saviour with all Christians. This is the true meaning and spirit of Christmas.

This is not to dampen the Christmas mood but I am compelled to mention this.

To controversial preachers like Zakir Naik who had proclaimed aloud, in recent years, that Muslims are not permitted to wish Christians “Merry Christmas”, please know that even your fellow Muslims in Malaysia pay no attention to your hate preaching...