Prior to the lead-in to Jesus’ birth there were many examples of inequality and a lack of justice, and Jesus was born into a world where there were many injustices. One such injustice was Herod’s behaviour authorising the killing of all male babies because he felt threatened by the thought of another king over-throwing him from the throne.
So, Jesus came into the world - an innocent baby, born into a simple life, not a life of wealth. He was already a threat to someone. There was already an injustice looming. What must it have been like for Mary and Joseph to know the fear, having to flee to safety to protect their new baby? The fear of having to constantly be alert. What has the world learnt? Very little, I fear.
In our churches throughout Advent, we prepare to enjoy Christmas and all the festive activities. We sit quietly to enjoy the beautiful Christmas trees and decorations we have lovingly displayed, and we feel joy and peace.
In our homes we exchange our gifts and enjoy the odd mince pie and mulled wine. We look at our children, loved, fed and warm in their beds at night, and we know peace.
But what have we really learnt about justice, and have we learnt anything from the experiences of the past? I challenge you to identify the collective learning of the world as well as our own.
History shows us that we go round in circles and there have been many instances of unrest, of war and misery throughout the world, and I am drawing parallels here with the recent situations in both Ukraine and in Israel and Gaza. Innocent people have lost their lives, and babies are being born into fear and uncertainty, hostility, poverty, and a lack of peace ... and for what end?
There still isn’t peace in the world!
What does the bible say about justice and what do we need to learn about it?
“Thus says the Lord. Act with justice and righteousness and deliver from the hand of the oppressor anyone who has been robbed. And do no wrong or violence to the refugee, the orphan, and the widow; nor shed innocent blood in this place”. Jeremiah 22:3
So, what is God steering us to do?
“The Lord has told us what is good. What he requires of us is this: to do what is just, to show constant love, and to live in humble fellowship with our God”. Micah 6:8
As Christians it isn’t good enough to say it is ‘out of our hands’. It isn’t good enough to sit back and do nothing or to bury our head in the sand.
We all have a responsibility to act NOW, immediately. But what can we do – we can raise awareness in our churches, we can collectively pray for peace, we can contribute to relief efforts, we can engage with cross ecumenical forums building awareness and trust, we can sign petitions, attend protest rallies, write to MP’s and those making decisions, raise it with friends who know little about it, talk to our children, grandchildren, resource our local schools with information. Everyone can do something! Until we act collectively and with integrity justice can never be done and nothing will change. So, this Advent make a promise to yourself and to God to do something.
Lord
Give me the strength to understand,
To act with integrity,
To act without fear,
To act to contribute to justice and peace,
So that our world will heal,
And all people will live together in harmony.
Amen.
Kathy Shaw
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