India, Dec. 25 -- Merry Christmas to all readers! December 25 bursts into life worldwide with vibrant lights illuminating markets, festive decorations adorning public spaces, and cheerful exchanges of gifts. Crowded shopping streets, sumptuous dinners, and midnight Masses create a lively, joyous atmosphere. Today's celebration goes beyond religion, welcoming everyone-believers and non-believers alike - to partake in its universal sense of joy and community.

This isn't a column about theology, doctrine, or asking uncomfortable questions about the origins of the global festival. It's written not because it's Christmas, but because of what's happening deep within France and several other countries of Europe - something that sends an urgent ...