For many of us Christmas is a time when the pressures of Commercialism seem to come to the fore . We are surrounded and bombarded by advertisements, over-indulgence and seemingly frenetic attempts to be merry and enjoy the moment. In all this, the real meaning and purpose of Christmas can be forgotten.
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| A Modern Nativity Scene |
Last year Angela and I received a card from Ishpriya with the following picture on it. This is a powerful and ever present reminder us of some of the deeper issues and meanings for this particular time of Christmas and for all times.
It depicts the traditional Nativity Scene in modern terms and shows a family of 'Illegal Migrants' in bombed out ruins. Note too the 3 Wise Visitors and their gifts.
This remarkably different depiction is a timely reminder with the truth of both the past and present. The Christian Story reminds us that Mary, Joseph and Jesus were Migrants who had to flee oppression and go to Egypt.
In our Modern World, this is an all to familiar theme, where so many of our human family are isolated, ignored, oppressed and fleeing persecution .
The Festival Of Christmas is rooted in the Christian Tradition but has now become a time of celebration for most people. This is true for all regardless of their belief, unbelief or Faith Tradition. Perhaps, during this time of celebration and festivity, we could all take some time to reflect on the meaning and purpose of our lives and in what way we could become more empathic and welcoming to the stranger, the unloved, the unfortunate and those who are marginalised in our society.
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