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How can an African continent plagued with so much suffering celebrate a moment of joy like Christmas?
P. Enobong Paulinus Udoidiong – Rome, Italy.
My view is that the full impact of COVID-19 on the African continent will take time before it is fully understood. However, some things are already evident: shortages of PPE in hospitals, inadequate COVID-19 test kits and supplies, teachers out of work, small businesses collapsed, vendors who have lost everything, farmers whose crops were wasted during the shutdown; the list could disappear. in.
God did not promise that we would not experience difficulties
So how do we celebrate when so many are burdened by the hardships caused by COVID-19 and the resulting economic downturn, literally across the entire African continent? If the big economies like Europe and America are suffering, how much more are the developing countries of Africa? Do we need to mention elusive vaccines?
Faced with all these circumstances, Saint Paul says in his first letter to the Thessalonians chapter 5 that we must give thanks, because this is the will of God in Christ Jesus. For some, this may seem like resignation to one’s own destiny or defeatism. It is not. We give thanks that, despite all the painful situations we face, God has remained faithful to his promise. He did not promise that we will not experience hardships, trials, disease, calamities, pestilence, drought, famine, and the like. Instead, he promised that he would not abandon us and that he would be with us until the end of time. He promised to send the Messiah. And when the goodness and mercy of God our Savior appears, we will be saved. Salvation does not come by works done by us in justice, says Saint Paul, but by virtue of God’s mercy and love. Christmas then becomes a unique moment to receive that promise, the love of God. This year, the birth of Christ the Savior comes when we most need divine intervention. A time when we really need to share love and peace, because as we know, love conquers all.
Why celebrate Christmas?
Jesus is the reason we are who we are, and that is why this season, we celebrate the newborn King. In the Gospel narrative, according to Matthew chapter 2, we are told that when Christ was born in Bethlehem, three wise men came from the East to pay homage to him. We celebrate Christ, the incarnate God who left his heavenly throne and accepted our human nature. Therefore, he made human nature divine and restored it to the glory it had before the fall.
Create space for the newborn in your heart
I remember when I was a kid, during the Christmas holidays, we often had annual family reunions. Christmas was a time to meet with uncles, aunts, and cousins from different parts of the country. These large family gatherings are probably not advisable this year under the circumstances. Still, we must continue to appreciate that spirit and our willingness to create space for visiting family members. This time, Christ asks us to make room in our hearts for that love that this season represents.
When we have families that appreciate love and peace and strive to live these values, there is the possibility that children, seeing how adults live, grow up appreciating these same values as well. We have heard him say Strong families are the pillars of strong communities, and strong communities are the pillars of strong nations. This is not empty rhetoric.
Give a thought to the struggling African mothers
Yes, today there is so much suffering around us, but I imagine what Mother Mary felt for her newborn baby under that intense winter cold, without adequate clothing for the child. He probably only found some torn rags in the barn.
This Christmas, my heart goes out to the millions of African mothers and their children who struggle in extreme poverty and difficult life situations. Without doubt, this is a time of year that our political leaders should take for reflection. African countries may have economic challenges but, with priorities set, African leaders can make a difference and alleviate the sufferings of the very people who elected them. My call to our elected leaders would be: Do everything within your constitutional powers to improve the lot of the very people who elected you to office. Leave a legacy and, whatever you do, think of the many African mothers who struggle to sacrifice everything to provide for their children..
For the world to see Christ in us
But it is not just about our political leaders. All of us who can make a difference in the lives of others must love as Christ did. Sometimes even the little we can do is very helpful.
The birth of Christ brought good news to all people of good will. As we thank God for the gift of Christ, let us remember to let our lights shine so that our world can see Christ, incarnate in us. Let us join in the song of the angels who exalt the glory of God and invoke his peace in our troubled world.
(Fr. Enobong Paulinus Udoidiong is currently a doctoral student in Canon Law at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, Rome. He is also a collaborator and collaborator of the English Africa Service of Vatican Radio. Fr. Enobong is incardinated in the Diocese of Uyo , Nigeria.)
