CHRISTMAS is generally seen as a time of merriment. Outside of its commercial value, gathering of loved ones and festivities, its religious value heralding the birth of Jesus Christ, the son of God who came to earth in order to bring redemption to humankind, cannot be lost sight of.
His presence brought new expectations, new experiences, new beginnings, and new opportunities. Even though He was the son of a King, he dedicated his time among the people, empowering them through teachings and miracles; and while the option and temptation existed for Him to be a part of the privileged class, it was the common man and woman He sought out, and was committed to work with.
His teachings, grounded on the principle of equality and respect for each other, informs tenets such as ‘do unto others as you would like them to do unto you’; and the Ten Commandments, inseparable from His teachings, have grounded the quest for positive human relations among world organisations, governments and institutions’. The said principles are the pillars upon which laws are built, in that peaceful co-existence, harmonious relationship, growth and development are hinged on all being held to the same standards and playing by the same rules.
Christ was a fierce advocate for justice. His was an approach which, at the time, challenged the status quo. Justice, for Him, was not built on the premise of reprisals (eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth), but was tempered with forgiveness and second chances. This speaks to an acknowledgment that humankind, by nature, possesses shortcomings. With shortcomings come expectations that mistakes would be made; but generally, persons would appreciate compassion, forgiveness, and a chance to redeem themselves.
A look at our justice system bears testimony. When one is convicted before being sentenced, examinations and cross-examinations are done to determine what may have led to the alleged errant conduct. And in instances where convicted, the errant individual may enter a plea seeking forgiveness and a chance to redeem his/her self by living a life consistent with the dominant values.
Poverty and hunger were other social ills that informed Christ’s solution-driven teachings. The famed story of Him feeding a multitude with few fishes and loaves of bread is a notable example. Though the option existed to serve those fishes and loaves among a select few, the decision was taken to ensure that all were fed and none was with want. This is a principle that undergirds polices, laws, programmes and implementations to end poverty and hunger.
In a world where poverty and hunger are on the rise, as human beings, when we act towards each other with oneness, it bodes well in recognising that the success of one is hinged on the success of the other. And while no one should begrudge or covet his/her neighbour’s goods, the pursuit of one’s desire for upliftment is better achieved in an environment created with equal opportunity.
Spending on this occasion, though, in some instances, can be considered bordering extravagance. In spirit, it is seen as an important act in demonstrating that we are all part and parcel of the moment and the principles that define it. Further, the desire for sumptuous consumption can be looked at through the lens that Christ’s birth promised hope, which includes an end to hunger and want. In that persons may indulge at this season, as against anytime during the year — sharing with families and friends — is reflective of the said belief.
Families, neighbours, friends or rivals who may have had differences, momentarily or prolonged, in this season set aside un-pleasantries and seek to greet and share with each other. This is a season wherein expressions of happiness and well-wishes are dispensed freely. The value of camaraderie that propels us at this time, irrespective of socio-economic, political or religious circumstances, fittingly marks the celebration of the yuletide season. May this value continue to guide us beyond this season.
Happy holidays!
