Articles
A Reflection on Christmas
Opinion | Articles | M L Satyan | 16-Dec-2024
Four months ago, I conducted a few sessions during a retreat held at Christeen Retreat Centre, Kottayam, Kerala. The participants consisted of a bishop, priests, nuns, and lay Catholics. The topic that I dealt with was: cross, death, and resurrection. I presented this in two parts. In the first part, my sharing focused on “stations of the cross” beginning before the birth of Jesus. The participants said that my sharing was an "eye-opener.”.
For time being let us keep aside the traditional ways of celebrating Christmas. Such celebrations were, are and will be brighter. No doubt about it. Let us look at the darker side of Christmas based on certain gospel passages. Please note that my intention is not to vilify a celebration but invite the readers to do a sincere reflection.
Economic status of Joseph:
In ancient Judea, the profession of a carpenter was more than just a means of livelihood; it was a role that demanded a diverse skill set and a deep understanding of various materials. Carpenters were responsible for constructing everything from simple household items to more complex structures like homes and synagogues. This multifaceted job required not only technical proficiency but also creativity and innovation.
Joseph’s daily life as a carpenter would have been filled with physical labour and meticulous craftsmanship. Using tools such as saws, chisels, and hammers, he would shape wood into functional and aesthetically pleasing objects. The quality of his work would have had to meet the high standards of his community, ensuring durability and reliability.
Beyond the physical aspects of carpentry, the profession also carried a certain social and economic standing. Carpenters were respected for their skills and their ability to provide for their families through honest work. This respect extended into the community, where Joseph’s reputation as a skilled carpenter would have made him a valued member. His role would not only support his family materially but also establish a sense of identity and purpose within his social circle.
With this background of Joseph let us try to explore further. A deeper study and reflection of the scripture will help us learn that Jesus was rejected on the following occasions.
Rejection-1: In Matthew’s gospel we read: “This was how the birth of Jesus Christ took place. His mother Mary was engaged to Joseph, but before they were married, she found out that she was going to have a baby by the Holy Spirit. Joseph was a man who always did what was right, but he did not want to disgrace Mary publicly; so, he made plans to break the engagement privately.” (Mt.1:18-19).
It is a medically proven fact that a baby in the womb can get all external energies, both positive and negative. The negative energy of Joseph’s secret plan affected Mary. As a consequence, the baby in her womb received that negative energy and felt terribly rejected. Did this rejection lead to a happy birth? No.
Rejection-2: In Luke’s gospel we read: “Joseph went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to the town of Bethlehem in Judaea. He went to register with Mary, who was promised in marriage to him. She was pregnant and while they were there in Bethlehem, the time came for her to have her baby. She gave birth to her first son, wrapped in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger as there was no room for them to stay in the inn.” (Lk. 2:4-7)
Just imagine a crowded Bethlehem. Joseph took Mary to all the Inns but the Inn-keepers had no pity on them and refused to let them in, as their Inns were over-crowded. Joseph and Mary definitely felt humiliated. With pain and agony, they slowly ploughed through the crowd and found a cattle-shed on the outskirt of Bethlehem. What was the impact of the humiliation and the pain Joseph and Mary went through? The baby in the womb felt that pain and humiliation. Did this humiliation lead to a happy birth? No.
Rejection-3: In Luke’s gospel we read: “So the shepherds hurried off and found Mary and Joseph and saw the baby lying in the manger.” (Lk 2:16)
Jesus in the womb felt the rejection on two occasions already. Now, his birth takes place in the midst of cattle and that too in a lonely place. Was this a happy and joyful occasion for Joseph, Mary and the baby Jesus? Definitely not.
In his letter to Philippians Paul mentions about the incarnation of Jesus: “He always had the nature of God, but he did not think that by force he should try to become equal with God. Instead of this, of his own free will he gave up all he had, and took the nature of a servant. He became like man and appeared in human likeness.” (Phil. 2:6-7). Discarding divinity and assuming humanity occurred in a pathetic scenario.
The church, in course of time, gave many spiritual interpretations to the birth of Jesus and converted it into celebration. The church preaches that Jesus came into this world as a Saviour to save the humankind. The announcement of angels in the gospels was used to add a joyful flavour to the birth of Jesus. Each region/country started celebrating the birth of Jesus as per their culture, social and economic status. Today we have diverse celebration of Christmas. Maybe these are deviations.
But practically, the birth of Jesus was indeed very sad and painful for Joseph, Mary and Jesus. This is the bitter truth.
Frank questions:
- Why did the church put the rejection part of Christmas under carpet?
- Why do the clergy and laity keep promoting commercialised Christmas year after year?
- Can clergy and laity ever think of Christmas without carol, crib, Santa Claus, gifts, X-mas tree, stars, cakes, wine, illuminations, fire-crackers, new dresses and parties?
As Christmas season approaches, the middle-class Christians start spending their savings. They also borrow if their Christmas budget exceeds their income and savings. It is an occasion for them to fall into a debt trap. They do all these to retain their social status and festive mood.
Imagine for a moment - if a baby in our family is born in an unsafe environment without any medical or personal support, will we ever celebrate such a birth? NEVER. Then, why should we celebrate the pain and rejection of Joseph, Mary and Jesus?
Last but not the least. There are several places like Bethlehem in our midst. Jesus is born even today among the socially, economically backward and excluded communities in pathetic conditions. Should we not recognize him in their midst? – Mt.25:31-45
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(The author is a freelance journalist who writes columns on social and religious issues. He can be reached at mlsatyan55@gmail.com. Views expressed are personal)
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