The political meaning of Christmas (Part 2)

In December 24, 2019, my column was part one of the above title. I ended that article with the hope that with a better appreciation of the historical morality play of Christmas and the advances of the information and communication technologies, the morals and the ethics of our politicians will improve and contribute more to the betterment of society and the world. The performance of governments and politicians all over the world in the last two years of the Covid pandemic with the consequent economic problems, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the murderous persecutions in Iran and Myanmar, and the continuing political/economic corruptions in governments globally show that all is not really well with the world this Christmas 2022.

The optimistic and celebratory mood of the people this Christmas in all countries is a testament of their gratitude, faith and trust in the world and their Gods for surviving another year, and hope for the next year to be better in spite of the shortcomings of their leaders and governments. Many believe that the world is unfolding as it should, and that God will somehow make things right. Given the scientific and economic progress of civilization over the centuries, with the lengthening of the lifespans and improve economic opportunities, there are basis for these optimism and complacency. But the past 20 years have actually slowed down the pace of human progress with politics hindering/stalling the improvements.

The premises and consequences of the Christmas story of Jesus humble birth and circumstance, and his mission to fight oppression/injustice and show/lead the way to salvation, is the original “good governance” principles. The foundations of good governance are truth and justice exemplified by the birth and life of Jesus Christ. These are what the people expect of their governments, to have “peace on earth and goodwill to men”, that we all wish every Christmas. That, there are demonstrations and dissent in many countries and people dying for their causes, only means that politicians are pushing against this direction.

The deliberate, constant and strong efforts of autocratic regimes to restrict freedom and liberty in many countries in the world, goes against the political meaning of Christmas in all aspects. Autocrats strive and strengthen their power and privileges, they deny or withhold the truth from their people, and injustices abound in these totalitarian regimes. The pushback against democracy in the last two decades in China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Myanmar., Hungary, Philippines, Venezuela, Turkey and many other countries are against the moral/ethical tenets of Christianity and the political meanings of Christmas.

Not all countries or nationalities celebrate Christmas the Christian way. Some do not even call it Christmas, but as just some kind of event/celebration. Still, they are aware of the Christian idea of Christmas and its moral and ethical considerations and their value in their own religions. The problem is that there are rulers and regimes that do not have any religion and therefore may not have any moral and ethical values.

It is heartening to note that the celebrations of Christmases all over the world in many countries are not diminishing but increasing. While it me not have any religious, moral and ethical meaning to some of them, it is also notable that none of the governments/politicians of any ideology are suppressing the celebrations of Christmas. The world may still be in the right direction of peace on earth and goodwill to men, especially if more people stand for truth and justice, do our best and let God do the rest.