Christmas In Our World Today

Christmas In Our World Today

Ashley Mwanza

Centuries ago, during what was the first Christmas, many hoped eagerly for a saviour, a Messiah, who would lead them out of oppression. This hope was sometimes centred on the expectation of a warrior king who would overthrow the political leadership under which oppressed peoples laboured. But this wasn’t exactly how comfort and rescue came.

Alone and apparently forgotten, these people were not unlike those in our world today who have lost homes to disasters, employment to a struggling economy, their place and identity to civil strife and political instability, or health to illness, or merely the simple pleasure of supportive family and friends.

The enduring annual fascination about Christmas is rooted in the message emanating from this one unique night in the history of humankind. It is one, indeed it is the message of hope for us and for future generations the world over. We still need it today; hope built on fulfilled and dignified human life, even in situations where human dignity is continuously and repeatedly trampled underfoot, and where poverty and disease undermine life itself. I think of the millions who are victims of wars, famine, starvation, racism, the oppression and mistreatment of women and children; I think of the growing stream of refugees, of the poor and those affected by HIV/AIDS. And I think of Afghanistan, and Iraq, bomb blasts everywhere almost everyday lives are lost. Gaza is surrounded by tanks and hatred.

While some still blame God for allowing all this brutality and human suffering, others experience the mystery of Christmas. Bethlehem yesterday and today - it is here that the hope for peace and justice, for salvation and dignity has a chance, rooted in God’s merciful presence. This hope has a name: Jesus Christ.

Christmas is so familiar that we sometimes wonder whether anything fresh and true can be said about it. But there is a way to explore its meaning that may seem new to us today, yet is in fact quite traditional, dating back to the Middle Ages and the ancient Fathers of the Church.

It is always wonderful to celebrate the birth of a baby a new person joining the human race.

Christmas is a good time to reflect upon the mystery of the image of God within each of us. If we abuse our world, and particularly our fellow human being, the image of God in us is hidden, and our humanity is diminished. If we honour and respect our world and fellow human being, this can lead to a culture of peace where God is glorified. If this is undertaken within our close communities, the effect - which will begin in a small area - can spread to the wider community, and even the nation. Just imagine what this could mean for world peace if both leaders and people undertook such an approach of life. By God’s power, it is possible.

Yet another year has gone by, how has it been? Let’s try to recapture the riches of this lost worldview by applying the spiritual sense of the Christmas story to our lives. For that story happens not only once, in history, but also many times in each individual’s soul. Christ comes to the world but He also comes to each of us. Advent happens over and over again. And that advent is different to each and every one of us.

A multitude of people live in one of the poorest areas in Zimbabwe, the place is Mbare located in the heart of Harare, a busy spot, a place of all trades. A few weeks back as my friend was walking (public transport is too dear and my friend earns a pittance) home from work he took a short route through Mbare, a man in a shabby suit approached him. “I’ve just come from church, we were reminded of Christmas and the hope it brings” he proclaimed. Appearing to be oblivious to the horrible stench that permeates his slum home, he cleared his throat, my friend listened intently to the poor man. The poor man continued, “I see you passing by everyday and I want to thank you because whenever I see you I see hope, you have not given up on your job or whatever it is you are up to because every day you go and return and go again” adding with a smile, “The Lord loves us and will provide for us.” They then shook hands and went their separate ways.

Surely this man craved better circumstances, but somehow he could still “acknowledge that the Lord is God” and that the Lord will take care of him “as a sheep of his pasture.” His secret? Perhaps, more often than most of us, he has searched for water and found none; then, with a parched tongue, he’s cried out to God for provision and He delivered. Perhaps a mere cup at first. But then more. Of the poor and needy, God says, “I, the God of Israel, will never abandon them. . . . Rivers fed by springs will flow across the parched ground” (Isaiah 41:17-18).

Though this man was a stranger, his life and faith have greatly inspired me and my friend, and I hope it will inspire you all. He showed us it’s possible to praise God while living in squalor, yes we can, regardless of our physical circumstances. Suffering, sickness, hunger, starvation and death which have all escalated over the years will remain with us for some time but that should not dampen the message of Christmas.

Christmas is with us. Gazing at the scene from afar, united in spirit on the road to Bethlehem, We taste a few days in advance the sweetness which comes to us from the angelic hymn announcing the heavenly peace which is offered to all men of good will. And thus, from day to day, we reflect that the road to Bethlehem truly marks the path for the right approach to that peace which is on the lips, in the eager desires and in the hearts, of all. This Christmas, let us be inspired by the birth of the baby, born more than 2,000 years ago. To seek to build peace in our world and within ourselves must be a worthy cause.

Hope should be the change that we aspire to come from within. We then look to Jesus and his birth as the source of a lasting formula for how hope can become ingrained in us. Jesus has shown us that before we can infuse hope in ourselves and inspire hope in others, we have to instil the following elements in our lives; patience and perseverance.

Nowadays there seems to be a growing sense of urgency in addressing the situation of hopelessness and despair that we seem to find our world in. But the message of Christmas is hope. Hope that results from patience and perseverance, including humility, obedience, and empathy. It is hope that comes with a desire for change but with a conviction that it must start from within. The sense of urgency that: change should start right now and that change should start with me.

Fellow citizens of the world, it is my hope that you will place your trust in the mystery of Christmas and, even when suffering hardship, will rest assured of God’s presence and mercy. “Do not be afraid; ...to you is born this day ...a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11). As we move into the New Year let us move with this hope and optimism.

Amidst all trials, I wish you all a happy Christmas and a blessed New Year. It is my heartfelt hope and conviction that Zimbabwe and the world shall be a different place in 2010 and the years to come. All we can do is pray, let us remember those who will not have anything to eat this Christmas.

May deep and lasting peace and joy be yours this Christmas. God Bless Zimbabwe, Ireland, and the World.