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let it be with me according to God’s word.Today, spend some moments becoming aware of the thousand things you do with your hands. God never works singlehandedly; but invites people to give God a hand, so to say, to bring to fruition God’s plans. Sometimes used literally to do tasks, wield weapons and possess things, “hand” is also used figuratively to denote power and grace, blessing and curse, control and commission.In the four week run-up to Christmas called “Advent”, Christians prepare for Christ’s coming with special Bible readings. Fold your hands in grateful “Namaste” and ask God to hold your hand. In India, mudras communicate many things.Mystic Mantra: Gain the upper hand.Dominic EmmanuelFather Dominic Emmanuel, a founder-member of the Parliament of Religions, can be contacted at frdominic@gmail.Mary is invited to cooperate with God when Angel Gabriel seeks her consent to conceive and give birth to Jesus.Hamsa is a hand-symbol prominent among Eastern religions signifying the hand of God. Surprised, Mary asks: “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” The angel says: “The holy spirit will come upon you; and the child to be born will be called son of God.”In the four week run-up to Christmas called “Advent”, Christians prepare for Christ’s coming with special Bible readings and reflections. They exemplify a long, hopeful history of salvation described in the Bible where “hand” appears some 1,800 times. Yet, I sometimes wish friends a “Mary Christmas”, purposefully putting the spotlight on Mary, mother of Jesus.” Priya cried: “No, daddy! You hold my hand!” Puzzled, her dad asked: “What’s the difference?” Priya explained: “If I hold your hand and something happens, I might let go of your hand.”Joseph, Zechariah, Elizabeth and John the Baptist — who appear in Christmas narratives — work hand-in-hand with God. Be filled with happiness. Do you realise the importance of your hands? What would you do if, for example, your hands were suddenly amputated? You would not be able to hold this newspaper and read it. But if you hold my hand, I’m sure you’ll never let go of me.Two weeks from now we’ll wish each other “Merry Christmas” hoping that Christmas be full of fun and frolic.  China stick blender Priya’s dad said: “Hold my hand, dear, lest you fall.During a walk in the forest, little Priya and her father were crossing a shallow rivulet. Nothing is impossible with God. You would be unable to eat, work, write and play. I fully agree that Christmas should be a joyful feast. Mary — or “Miriam” as she is described in surah 19 of the Quran — is the matchless model of the mindset and heart that believers must make their own.