We have returned back to Hong Kong and are saddened, but not surprised by the protests that hit the city during the Christmas season.

We spent the holidays in southern Japan and ended up at Hiroshima on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. We think it was an appropriate place to be at this time. For Hiroshima is famous for being the first city that was attacked by an atomic weapon. It was war and war brings out both the best and worst of people. But we shall not judge if the dropping of the bomb was just or not. It was done and the war soon ended.

Christmas, on the other hand, is supposed to be a time of peace and remembrance. Because it is the time when the promised Redemer was born. It also brings out hope for a better future and the conversion of all mankind to the one, true faith and belief.

However, this Christmas, like all other Christmas past, often brings out the hatred and ill-will of man. This is the true state of man. One of despair and hopelessness in the world and their surroundings.

We do not know what this year will bring. We can only continue to hope and pray that things will change for the better.