In these turbulent times let us recall the hope of that first Christmas

Hope is a waking dream

– Aristotle Today the world is in turmoil!

Still recovering from the pandemic, there are devastating consequences of conflict and the scourge of climate change, to contend with. The ongoing war in Gaza has devastated the lives of thousands upon thousands of people and wreaked unimaginable suffering. So, as we prepare to ‘deck the halls with boughs of holly and switch on the twinkling lights of the decorated Christmas tree, the question that will be foremost in our minds is, “Is there any hope for Peace in this fragmented world we live in?”

At the time of the birth of Jesus, that first Christmas too, there was political and religious turmoil. On that cold winter’s night, the angels conveyed this message of peace to the world, through the poor shepherds tending their flock.

“Glory to God in the Highest and Peace on Earth toward ‘men’ on earth - (Luke 2:13-14)

More than ever, this glorious message is key for the world today. Christmas also brings a message of Love, because, God gave his only Begotten Son, to save the world (1 John 2.10). Such love, has the potential to dispel hatred and bring about peace and reconciliation in the world, including in the holiest of Christian and Jewish religious sites, namely Bethlehem Nazareth, where Jesus was born, lived, preached and died.

The central message of Christmas is the Birth of Jesus – it is the new life, that brings Hope. It calls us to escape selfcentredness and focus on the plight of others – those caught up in this tragic war and natural disasters, the displaced, the homeless and the lonely.

Hence, we must approach this Christmas inspired by the challenges of baby Jesus, wrapped in swaddling clothes, laid in the manger.

We must be encouraged too by the practical sensitivity of Joseph, and the courage of Mary, in protecting baby Jesus, from the murderous intent of Herod and the wisdom of the foreign visitors who, ignoring Herod’s instructions, navigated a different route, on their return journey from Bethlehem.

With this rich legacy of that first Christmas, surely, our dream for peace in the world, must still be a reality.

Dr. Remy Perumal

UK