Goanetters annual year-end meet is on Dec 27, 2010 (Monday) from 4-6 pm at
Institute Piedade (near Hotel Mandovi, opp Bread & More) in Panjim. Do come
along. RSVP via SMS 9822122436, f...@goa-india.org or 2409490 (after 2 pm).
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
POWERFUL BABE OF BETHLEHEM
*Dr.Ivo da Conceição Souza
The Feast of Christmas dates back to the little town of Bethlehem, the
"city of bread" in Israel, where 2010 years (or six more) ago Jesus of
Nazareth was born "in a manger". Joy is expressed everywhere--in the
churches, homes, markets, clubs, seashores, among old and young
alike, among all people without discrimination of creed, caste, colour. Even
non-Christians and atheists experience a unique atmosphere during this
festive season. Our ears are full of Christmas music: "Joy to the world
for the Saviour is born", "O Come All ye faithful", "Jingle bells". Shops
remind us that we are in the festive season.
Our centre of attention is the "Crib", where Jesus was born as a simple
child, laid in a cave-like manger (or stall), surrounded by Mary (Myriam),
Joseph and animals, oxen and donkeys (cf.Is 1:3). It was the best and the
driest place for the baby, being welcome by all. As the Gospel (Lk 2:6-7)
runs: "Now while they (Mary and Joseph) were there (in Bethlehem), the time
came for her to give birth; and she gave birth to a son, her firstborn. She
wrapped him in strips of cloth and laid him down in a manger (PHATNE in
Greek original), since there was no place for them in the lodgings
(KATALYMA)".
The exact date of Christmas is not registered in the Gospels, for they
are not biographies of Jesus of Nazareth, but proclamation about his
meaningfulness for the world as the Saviour. Rather than chronicling the
facts of his life, they try to bring out the significance of his words and
deeds for humankind. Infancy Gospel (rather than Infancy Narrative) is found
only in the later Gospels, namely Luke and Matthew.
Till the third century of the Christian Era, Christians were celebrating
the birth of Jesus on different dates. It was not until 350 CE., when Pope
Julius I declared that December 25th was the day of the Christmas
celebration, that most Western Churches accepted the now traditional date.
Julius I chose this date with a meaning in mind, like a step towards
inculturation.
The Romans used December 25th to mark the birth of the Unconquered Sun
(Solis Invicti), Sun God, Mithras. In Northern Europe the winter solstice of
December 21 was traditionally the feast of Yule. Yule logs were burnt at
this time in tribute to the gods, Thor and Odin. By selecting December as
Christ's birthday, the Church could absorb and purify (rather than
simplistically suppressing) mythical traditions and legends of the people.
Christ is the Unconquered Sun (cf.Mal 4:2; see also Jn 8:12).
But why 25th? March 25th, which was the pagan festival of Spring, had
been adopted by the Church as a day of angel Gabriel's Annunciation to
Mary. After nine months from March 25th, we arrive at the date of Christmas,
December 25th.
The Early Church had only one feast, Easter, celebrated weekly on
Sunday and annually on Easter Day. But Christmas points out to the death
and Resurrection of Jesus and prepares us for Easter. Jesus is born in order
to save the world with his death and Resurrection.
For Christians, Christmas is a part and parcel of the Paschal Mystery,
the mystery of death/Resurrection of Christ. Jesus is our Saviour and
Incarnate Son of God, from the first moment of his human existence. Jesus is
the Light of the World, the Saviour of Humankind.
In the past, more emphasis was laid on the religious aspect of the
Feast. Today it is regarded by many as a social function, and by some it is
celebrated, paradoxal as it may appear, as a "Christmas without Christ"...
Some college students may say, "Life is to be enjoyed, Christmas is the
best time for it". For some it may be holiday entertainment, for others
business. Religious fervour may have gone down in some circles, whereas
commercial gains are stressed. Religious fervour may be dimmed by rave
parties, dances and balls. More emphasis is perhaps being laid on Christmas
parties and dances. It is the best season for the tourists to visit Goa. We
may be tempted to celebrate "Christmas without Christ". Shall we put Christ
back into Christmas celebration?
I wish you a Blessed Christmas and a Happy, Fruitful Year!
Regards.
Fr.Ivo
