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The Village Voice wishes all Guyanese, more particularly our readers, a joyful Christmas. Christmas is the birth of Jesus Christ, the Messiah, whose birth brought redemption to mankind. His birth ushered in an era of compassion and love towards our fellowman. Any child exposed to Sunday or Sabbath School was taught of the goodness of Christ’s mercies and his loving kindness for all.
In a diverse society such as ours, songs such as “Jesus loves the little children/All the children of the world/Red and yellow, black and white/They are precious in his sight/Jesus loves the little children of the world,” in no small measure influence a child’s acceptance of another who may not necessarily share the same physical traits. This teaching helped in building relationships, from a tender age, of mutual respect and treating each other with dignity.
The fundamental teaching of parents to their children that they are as equal and no less capable than another, has influenced Christians outlook of the world. Parents take seriously the biblical teaching to “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). This teaching is grounded in the belief that with the right moulding children will grow into adulthood, taking on responsibilities and treating others that will bring honour to their faith, themselves and family. As the Hymnal says “And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love, yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love. We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand.”
The teaching of Christ in preference of Moses’ law of exacting equal vengeance- i.e., an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth- has created a world guided by equality, compassion, second chances, helping and supporting each other. It is a world that recognises the interdependence of humankind and the fact that what affects one invariably affects all.
Judeo-Christian principles have fashioned acceptable behaviours and laws in modern society, that all are subject to. This is not to say there has not been abuses of the system but recognises the importance of cultivating and maintaining a system where all can benefit from its security and safeguards.
Often overlooked is the kindness and humanity of the faith. Christ, despite being second only to Almighty God – an immensely powerful force- while on earth lived a humble and exemplary life. He did not feel himself above those who society shunned or cast aside. Neither did he feel his teaching of redemption was applicable to some not all. The Holy Bible recounted the story of a woman allegedly caught in an adulterous relationship and brought before Christ. The scribes and Pharisees were calling for her to be stoned as would have been done in the days of Moses or in the application of Moses’ law. Jesus admonished that “Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her” (John 8:7).
By the examples Jesus Christ set, he taught us the meaning of forgiveness and the reward of doing his Father’s will. Lessons such as the above, honouring thy neighbour as thyself, and from the various sermons were not only to prepare man for life after death but the measure by which man should live while on earth in order to receive the Father’s blessing.
As we celebrate this Holy Day, this date that marked a new beginning; the era of redemption, equality and justice, it foretells well to remember -“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
