THE PONDERING PEDIATRICIAN

A CHRISTMAS POEM December is here; season`s greetings abound, Carols and cakes to savour; stars and lights surround, Fun, frolic, and the like; its a celebration,   Folks flock together; its time for jubilation. Amidst the shower of gifts,balloons and trees, Where is the baby boy; God`s gift to you and me? Has Jesus been born in your hearts, has He been sought? Is He just a clay doll, in the plastic manger that you bought? Is Jesus at the centre, or hidden by Santa Claus? Is it still about Immanuel, who came down to be with us? Born as a bundle of hope; dies for our sins on the cross, Yet conquering death and our hearts, up from the grave he arose! This is the good news of Christmas; the reason for exultation! Make this season different; let us uphold salvation! Repent, return and receive; invite the Saviour in, Celebrate Christmas anew; for you are born again!

THE OTHER PERSON... The fire raged; and fumes billowed, Three young Jews; into the furnace were thrown, Engulfed by the flames; but not a hair burnt, The other person in the fire; could freeze the flames! The giant roared; his power unmatched, Warriors shivered; yet a shepherd boy stood  his ground, A stone and a sling; and the mighty giant fell, The other person in the battle; turned the stone a sword! The storm lashed; the vessel shook, Disciples panicked; and struggled to steer safe, The tempest was stilled; and the waters calmed, The other person in the storm; could rebuke the winds! We may be in a fire, a storm or a battle, Beyond our strength, skills and safe ground, Yet take heart; a miracle is at hand, For the other person by our side, Lord Jesus is our help!

April 24th to April 30th is celebrated as World Immunization Week. Immunization saves so many lives every year and is among world’s most cost-effective health interventions. Yet, there are still nearly 20 million un-vaccinated and under-vaccinated children in the world today! The theme of this year’s campaign is " Protected Together: Vaccines Work! " , and the campaign will celebrate Vaccine Heroes from around the world – from parents and community members to health workers and innovators – who help ensure we are all protected, at all ages, through the power of vaccines. Here is my small contribution to this great worldwide program. It may be a drop in the ocean, but many drops  can create an ocean!  A DESPERATE PLEA Attacked and invaded; my tiny body fails, Paralyzed and choked; my skin pales, I accept defeat; no more can I run, Goodbye Grandpa, Diphtheria has won! I wish I could, just fulfill my dream, Climb up the hills; enjoy a swim...

RADIANT RESURRECTION The passion week has come to a close and it’s the Resurrection Sunday today, better known as Easter. The passion and love of Jesus Christ, which granted mankind the precious gift of salvation, is the theme resonating in the background. There are people who observe and celebrate this week with much reverence. There are some who have made it yet another festival to be commercialized. And there are some like me, who believe that the message of Good Friday and Easter is not something to be illuminated once a year, but something that illuminates your spirit and soul every second of every day. The radiance of divine resurrection irradiates mankind. It`s the message that gave my life a whole new meaning. The following is a poem I wrote sometime back, when this message of Christ`s passion and love filled me up beyond the brim, and overflowed as words. You forsook majesty, came in search of me, Bore my transgressions, crucified to set me free, The agony ...