At this time of year, it is easy to forget the reality of the critical world situation as we partake in the frantic overconsumption and festivities of Christmas. But what is the real meaning of Christmas in the midst of environmental destruction, growing levels of poverty and escalating global tensions?
Mohammed Sofiane Mesbahi’s discourse on this question asks if we can celebrate Christmas in a humble and truly loving way with respect to the Earth and those less fortunate than ourselves. He argues that there is no better way to celebrate the birth of Christ than to unite under the banner of freedom and justice, and peacefully demonstrate for an end to hunger and poverty across the world.
As Mesbahi writes: “In light of all the suffering and critical problems in the world, what better way to celebrate Christmas this year than to go out in the streets and peacefully demonstrate for an end to poverty and injustice. To say: no more cutting of trees! No more buying extravagant presents! And then to raise our voices for all the world’s people to be fed, cared for and nourished. Wouldn’t that be the best Christmas we have ever known, considering the fact that thousands of people are dying each day from poverty-related causes? Because then we would not only express our loyalty and affection to our own family and friends, but we would also stand in loving unity with the entire world. If Jesus were walking among us today, perhaps that is what He would call on us to do.”
We hope you will take the time to read or re-read this article, and pass it on to your family and friends.
You can read the full piece here: Christmas, the system and I
The article appears in the STWR book titled 'Studies on the Principle of Sharing'. Find out more at: www.sharing.org/online-books
Photo credit: argyadiptya, flickr creative commons