Christmas: As it was intended |
Catholic churches have traditionally erected Nativity scenes outside at Christmas time to represent the birth of Jesus. The scenes include the baby, his mother and father, Mary and Joseph, the shepherds, their animals, and the “wise men from the East” who came to witness the birth.
Despite the story’s rich meaning and symbolism, these scenes have become quite two-dimensional and shallow. Like the anodyne carols that define the season, the portrait of the birth that emerges is “peaceful”, “calm”, and “bright”. There’s no hint of the oppressive Roman occupation that forced this couple to travelled across the country to register in a new census mandated by the empire. Nor are many ironies underlying the story recognised: that this Jewish baby, who will be a saviour, is born in a cave surrounded by animals, or that those who pay homage are lowly shepherds and non-Jewish travellers from afar.
Lahore second most polluted city globally as Punjab faces severe smog
These various ironies truly define the biblical Christian narrative. In reality, it’s an upside-down faith—where the first shall be last and the last shall be first. It’s meant not for the rich, satisfied, and powerful.........