A Brief Christmas Reflection

A Brief Christmas Reflection

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overtake it.” (John 1:5, NRSV) “The Life-Light blazed out of the darkness; the darkness couldn’t put it out.” (John 1:5, The Message)

This year, as Christians around the globe prepare to celebrate Christmas, and worship Jesus the Light or Life-Light, tragically there is far too much darkness in the world. 

The war in Ukraine continues, and it doesn’t look like peace will prevail in the near future. The country is being destroyed by the Russians, with their constant violation of human rights by deliberately bombing schools, hospitals, and civilian residential areas. Then there is the oppression within Russia because of the Putin dictatorship—anyone who disagrees with the state’s party line about the war is regarded as a criminal. What about opposition leader Alexei Navalny, where is he? According to a CBC report: “Colleagues say Kremlin likely shunted him off to a remote penal colony to silence him during the election.” What election? The choice given is Putin and Putin. 

The situation is just as bad in the war between Israel and Gaza. Of course Israel has the right to defend itself. Yet, how many innocent Palestinian civilians must continue to die and be seriously injured for Israel to put an end to Hamas? What about the future of the Palestinians once the war ends? The peace process between the Israelis and Palestinians is most likely going to be a long, dragged out one. 

Then there is what seems to be a civil war in Myanmar—the military regime continues to oppress their citizens. What about the opposition political leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who is in prison on many bogus charges by the junta, and the other National League for Democracy party leaders?

In addition to these disturbing situations, there also seems to be a growing number of right-wing dictatorships and tyrannical governments around the world. Way too many people in way too many nations lack the basic necessities of life, while a few affluent people live extremely self-indulgent lives. The rich grow disgustingly richer at the expense/the unjust suffering and oppression of the poor. Moreover, even in the nation south of us, it seems that the former president is able to buy off/bribe lawmakers to postpone the serious allegations against him. Will his money prove him innocent of all charges? Will he actually run for president and win? Goodbye to democracy in the USA if that happens. 

The fossil fuel companies and corporations, as well as the oil-producing nations seem to care less about climate crisis and ongoing global warming. Once again they called the shots at COP28. Why do COP conferences even meet in countries that continue to promote fossil fuels, and deny their own people adequate human rights? What use are COPs anyway? Nations do not seem to be able to live up to them, and they are not nearly binding enough so as to have to deal with the consequences if violated. 

One could go on. Yet, there is light in the darkness. Jesus the light of the world is still shining in the midst of all of this darkness. One example from Israel: An Israeli is troubled by the suffering of Palestinian civilians. So he drives ill Palestinians to medical centres, placing his own life in danger. He wants Israelis and Palestinians to live peacefully alongside one another. Corey Fleisher in Montreal removes hateful graffiti free of charge. He founded a movement which is now worldwide, Erasing Hate. In the city that I live in, recently Augustana Campus (formerly Camrose Lutheran College), was delighted to announce that 3 anonymous donors gave a generous gift of $2 million to establish the Cora Martinson International Scholarship for students. Martinson taught at CLC around 90 years ago, and served as dean of women. She was also a missionary in China and Hong Kong. 

So Jesus the light is still shining in the darkness. The darkness cannot overtake him. That’s why we too are able to do even the smallest of things that can and do make a difference for those who suffer from the darkness. A visit, a phone-call, running an errand like taking someone to a doctor’s appointment, providing a meal to someone who has recently lost a loved one—maybe even inviting them over for Christmas dinner if they don’t have family close-by. These and countless other small acts of love and kindness shine light in dark places. 

May Jesus the Light shine brightly within, around and among you this Christmas.