Why death heralds his Birth
I’ll voluntarily plead guilty to my personal post-seventy cynicism, with creeping indifference, regarding this still-somewhat-endearing “season” of Christmas.
In Guyana this mass-of-Christ festival which now transcends all – even other non-Christian faiths – regarding its celebratory and unfortunate commercial character, has had its primary fundamental purpose of welcome worship and praise completely overwhelmed by rampant materialistic features.
Many well-meaning, even devout Christians will, undoubtedly, confront my old-age “yuletide” negativity with the following defence (s): the advent, virgin birth and life of Jesus, the young Christ, is observed religiously and still inspires; “The Word was made Flesh and dwelt amongst us”, they remind me. That greatest gift, as was those presented by the three Oriental Kings, now influence all to express care and love in this seasonal gift-giving; and Christmas celebrations usher in national collective happiness, merriment, even joy. In a country and world so troubled.
Okay, I can find validity in much of the above justification for the embrace of the Christian 12-day (?) festival. But, frankly speaking, when one is past-seventy/eighty; is able to compare with past observances; when one is objectively honest about events with a religious base and nature; discovering that little is known of the actual birth of the Divine baby; one easily detects the artificial, the fake, the counterfeit “celebrations”.
I am still all for end-of-year renewal, refurbishment of homes and communities; parties to lift up negative moods. But needless, mindless splurging; commercial recklessness in overspending; forgetting the new year’s future and forward planning should not be any major part of “Christmas”.
So even as my J.Witness friend always reminds me that nowhere in the Holy Bible is there any invitation to celebrate Jesus’ birth, but he said of Easter “keep doing this in remembrance of me”, I will still appreciate the spirit of the season. Birth and rebirth brings more joy and hope than departures. Just observe the poor and needy amongst us. And the temporary generosity of the rich. That helps Christmas to live!
****
Thievery – and the shock of (rare) honesty
I won’t even attempt to persuade any reader – stranger or acquaintance – about my own innate honesty. Regarding things that are not my own or meant for my legitimate ownership. In other words, I’m not asking anyone to believe me completely when I state that I don’t actually steal. And I try to be honest all the time. And it’s all thanks to a grandmother who first scared me that “God is watching you”; then explaining that stealing and dishonesty are just plain wrong!
I’m afraid young parents and teachers and the artificial “church” have lost any battle to convince this generation that right is better than wrong. What is “right” any way? They’ll ask. Even those who see the need for some “moral and spiritual revival” are no virtuous exemplars of corruption–free righteousness themselves. And the young know that. And them.
Top officers in the local police force now stand accused of financial theft; ex-GDF personnel are now accused of massive thievery.
That’s why the young female police rank who returned “a million plus” to an owner who misplaced it, is now being hailed for being a one-in-a-million heroine. Justifiably! (Mischievously, I think of what some of her friends must be saying behind her back. Ho-ho-ho)
****
The imagery of Christmas
Frankly speaking, I forgot this amusing issue a few paragraphs ago. What is this, my personal annual “Christmas contestation”? It is, in summary, the following.
I state simply: If certain images, symbols, messages, music and songs are not present now, older Guyanese folks and some maturing youth won’t accept that it’s Christmas time. Why? Because the white-Christmas syndrome has been “beautifully” planted in the psyche of us, long-time former “colonials”.
The European and American Caucasians have been great, successful! Transplanted their reality of yuletide Christmas-time in Guyanese minds. Frosty the snowman; jolly old St Nicholas, the original Santa; those jingle bells, sleigh and snow; turkey, chestnuts; even the (pine) shape of our “Christmas trees”. Nothing to do with our Christmas man!! Oh so you think?
For now I suppose I must enjoy the hymm-like carols. But be thankful for local foods, original seasonal music, masquerade and steel band. Merry Christmas!?
****
Devastation, death herald the birth?
Pardon some more negativity in a season of supposed joy.
Accidents on the roads claiming numerous young lives. Covid continues claiming lives worldwide. Tornadoes in the U.S., typhoon, floods, in the Philippines; murders at our bus parks. Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Palestine, Egypt – places the Christ child knew – all now witness devastation, conflict, war-time death. Why? Take time to think on all this during the holidays at home.
****
A long weekend to ponder…
1) So Joe wasn’t the way to go! Should I congratulate comrade Aubrey? Why not?
Time must be given. But his inaugural remarks already reveal confrontation. I agree regarding the natural resources fund (the oil revs); even a new voters list. But removal of both chairlady and CEO of GECOM?? Tell that to the American ambassador! Be cautious with your agenda comrade leader. But congrats for now.
2) Home Affairs Minister Benn assures that there has been a decrease in serious crimes for 2021. Agreed?
3) Willing to wager upon the outcome of the court cases brought against those former GECOM officials? Ho-ho.
4) Word game: try not to use the word “journey” for two weeks!
`Til year end!
