A Word from Wi’am: Christmas is a message of Hope and Defiance
A cave baby was born in Bethlehem. He is the symbol of simplicity and down to earth personality. He represents the poor, the marginalized, the downtrodden, the neglected, the persecuted, the forgotten, and the oppressed.
Indeed, Christ was born in Bethlehem under the Roman Occupation. As Herod ordered the killing of all children under two years of age, the angel appeared to the Holy Family and asked them to go to Egypt.
This story is not strange for us. Our children are still born under occupation. Herod is not only present in Jerusalem but also throughout the Middle East and the entire world. The new herods are instilling fear in whole communities, using religion to depict a god of vengeance, a tribal god of retaliation. These herods are dispossessing families, liquidating men and harassing women, manipulating and abusing children, maiming, stealing, robbing and creating havoc through their tyranny.
Our Lord reminded us that no matter where we seek refuge, we will practice our rights of return as Jesus did. We will resurrect from death as we will celebrate life conquering injustices on all levels: economically, politically, socially and religiously.
Christmas is calling to celebrate life. Celebrating Christmas means taking part in the emancipation from oppression.
Jesus encourages us to live our lives with full integrity, dignity, and responsibility. Yes we believe in life after death but surely we want to live our lives before death.
I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly (John10:10).
May the wonderful meanings and holy merits, the gorgeous colors and heavenly sounds of Christmas shower you with joy, blessings and hope.
In the light of this holy season, we would like to convey to you our sincere wishes that you might have a joyful Christmas and sacred blessings to fill to the brim our hearts, homes and communities.
May the warmth and agape of Baby Jesus cover you all with peace and happiness. May the New Year be the dawn of liberation and emancipation, bringing new hope and vitality that grants us new healthy relationships, new vision, new zeal and entirely new life to help us to go in the less traveled road of peace, justice and reconciliation for a bright present and better tomorrow.
Zoughbi Zoughbi