On the streets, in clubs and in homes everything speaks of Christmas. Lights, decorations and presents make for an unmistakable atmosphere. They too have their place as long as one avoids senseless overtures or exaggerations. The external preparations must not detract attention from the central and extraordinary event being commemorated: the birth of Jesus – the rebirth of each one of us.
The gospel narrative helps Christians live Christmas better. Baby Jesus, the Father’s precious gift to humanity, did not even have that indispensable minimum every family prepares in advance for a child’s birth: Mary and Joseph, for whom there was no room at the inn, were forced to seek shelter in a humble stable. The manger would be the first cradle of the newborn child. Therefore, Jesus became one of us in a setting of extreme poverty. The scene, in its simplicity, is a silent invitation to understand the true value of the Christmas mystery, a mystery of humility and love, of joy and of attention to the poor – primarily those in our midst.
The European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion, now nearing its end, brought to our attention that, although the standard of living in Malta is better than that of other countries and social benefits and other measures help to avoid absolute poverty, there are people and families who still do not have enough income to lead a decent life.
There are people among us who are living the crisis of financial poverty perhaps due to mental or other illness or lack of education. There are also others facing dire circumstances, for instance because of loneliness, old age, broken families, lack of respect, emargination, domestic violence.
Even during the festive season there will be tears and bitterness. Yet, in spite of the grief that sometimes penetrates our lives, Christmas is a ray of hope for all because it brings happiness and joy to all of goodwill and makes us want to reach out to the rest, especially those who are suffering. Perhaps just for this reason Jesus willed to be born in poverty and in the abandonment of a cave and to be laid in a manger.
The stable at Bethlehem provided a unique source for solidarity: for one man’s solidarity with another and for all men’s with all men, especially with those for whom there is “no room at the inn”. This solidarity stands out in the entire earthly life and mission of Jesus, especially in regard to those who suffer under the weight of misery, whether physical or moral.
While preparing to spend Christmas in serene family harmony, we should not overlook an act of solidarity with those who will, unfortunately, spend these days in loneliness and suffering. The joy of Christmas will be all the greater the more we are able to share it not only with our family and friends but also beyond.
Christmas should be an experience in the promotion of effective solidarity with the poor, the sick, the vulnerable and all those on the margins of society. The annual charity marathon, L-Istrina, on Sunday, offers us an opportunity to put this in practice as will other initiatives held to raise funds for the needy.
These values will strike a chord with those seeking answers to their questioning about the meaning and purpose of life. They appeal to all who aspire to live in a manner befitting the true nobility of the human spirit and dignity.