The weather across the archipelago called The Bahamas has been cool over the last few days as if to mark the arrival of something unique while celebration has been in the air. The cheerful mood of the populace and the increase in traffic congestion on the streets of New Providence leave no doubt that indeed the Christmas season is upon us. It is after all for most Bahamians the season to be merry and jolly, to wine and dine as well as exchange pleasantries and gifts.
One of the most important aspects of our Christmas tradition has been and must remain the gathering of families and the expression of gratitude for the many blessings which we so often take for granted. For indeed the curtains are being drawn on one year as we approach the gates of another year. While 2014 has been eventful and full of its challenges, we ought to be thankful for all that has transpired as they were all designed to make us more resilient as a people. In the hours leading up to the celebration of Christmas, this piece considers key messages and invaluable lessons from the biblical account of the first Christmas.
The unusual and unlikely vessels
The expectation of mankind in relation to royalty is often painted with visions of extravagance, elegance, finesse and renowned family background. The nativity story defies all of this logic and departs from the established setting for the birth of a king. The vessel that was chosen to carry the Prince of Peace was a lowly maiden whose ancestry was unknown and not recorded. The choice of the unborn king's mother marked a notable deviation from what was and is convention for royal families. The identity and social status of Joseph - his earthly father further contradicts the status quo. Thus the unbelief of many to this day is linked to the conditions under which the messiah was born.
The missing link in the explanation of these unorthodox circumstances for many is the understanding of the deity of the child in question and the magnitude of his assignment which was not confined to earthly things. Nevertheless, it holds promise for those of us who feel downtrodden, rejected, irrelevant or insignificant. We are not exempt from greatness and a higher calling based on our social status, gender, occupation, family ties or other limitations imposed by others in our society. All we need to qualify is to be available, obedient and be willing to serve. The actions and exploits of Jesus in his latter days elevated his profile from the manger days and from his humble beginnings so much so that they led to questions: Can any good thing come out of Nazareth, and is that not the son of Joseph the carpenter?
Is there a place for us?
The absence of rooms in the various inns could have easily led the soon-to-be parents of Jesus to ask this question. In the end and with the time of delivery fast approaching they had to settle for a manger to accommodate their newborn. And so indicative of his humility and role as the true shepherd, the savior's first companions besides his parents were livestock.
The same question rests on the lips of several Bahamians and echoes across our islands as many seek to take their parts in our beloved country. Many with aspirations and dreams long for opportunities to contribute to the development of our commonwealth. The yearnings of the youth are particularly pronounced in this question, as they feel that they have no voice in the governance of their country. The manger component of the story tells us that one's origination does not determine one's destiny and the end justifies the means. In the interim, however, are we prepared to dwell in the manger if not but for a little while? This is bearing in mind that none of our experiences will ever go to waste but they all contribute toward who we shall become. In this sense, the saying "do not despise humble beginnings" comes to mind.
A peculiar case of opposing objectives
The gospels documented the role of the wise men that saw the natal star of Yeshua in the east and sought him to give him gifts and to worship him. The narrative also includes King Herod who, having heard of the birth of the king of the Jews, set out to kill baby Jesus. Herod was threatened by the baby, not in his current state, but based on his potential. While Herod was aware that the perceived threat to his kingdom may not have materialized in his lifetime, this birth disturbed the establishment and status quo which dictated succession to the throne based on lineage.
The dichotomy in the two objectives for seeking the baby is a classic case that personifies the age-old saying that one man's meat is another man's poison; or put another way, one man's gold is another's coal. The motives highlighted here were pure and honorable, on the one hand, while the other was conniving and wicked albeit concealed. Nevertheless, the wise men displayed wisdom by not revealing the place of the messiah - anything to the contrary may have changed the course of history for all of us who believe in Jesus Christ as lord and savior.
It goes without saying that the above accurately describes human nature and approaches to both personal and national matters within The Bahamas. However, we can rest assured that we must stand for that which is right knowing that, ultimately, good will prevail over evil.
Focus on the outcasts and lowly
Shepherds watching their flock by night on a cold winter's night also featured in a story for the ages as recounted by Luke. While some theologians have linked the timing of their watch to their poor financial status, there is an inherent message of their dedication to their flock, commitment to their craft and diligence in their occupation. It is against this backdrop that the appearance of an angel announcing the birth of Christ is described in the Book of Luke.
Human nature is one that supports the sharing of important and life-changing information to the elite in society who are considered privileged among others. The choice of the shepherds as recipients of news that changed the world and brought about Christianity is evidence that God looks at the heart and not the outward being. The prerequisites for being chosen besides the all-important grace, which is free, include dedication, commitment, diligence and faithfulness.
The unstoppable force of destiny
The various accounts of the birth of the messiah in the gospels highlight the adversities and challenges present leading up to the event we are preparing to celebrate. However, in spite of the difficulties, the power of the purpose of Jesus' birth and the power of his calling could not be stopped by the circumstances surrounding his advent to the world. The Christmas story is testament to the popular scripture that God's word shall not return to him void without accomplishing that which it has been sent out to do; though it tarries, it shall come to pass.
We have chronicled in the Bible an inspirational story which begins the evolution of the Christian faith to which a majority of Bahamians subscribe. Let us therefore be encouraged by the lessons contained therein and hope yet again knowing that we are able to overcome whatever challenges we face or comes our way. In the final analysis, we must not forget the reason for the season; we should remember while we are exchanging gifts that the most important gift of all is the gift of our time, talents and presence, not necessarily presents this holiday season. I wish you and yours a merry Christmas!
o Arinthia S. Komolafe is an attorney-at-law. Comments can be directed at arinthia.komolafe@komolafelaw.com.
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