Christians memorialize some very odd things during the joyous season of Christmas. The day after Christmas, boxing day in Britain, is the feast of Saint Stephen. Stephen’s death by stoning was a result of his intemperate witness to the resurrected Christ. Two days later, we remember the feast of the Holy innocents when boys two and under in Bethlehem were killed by King Herod in the hope of getting rid of the newborn Messiah. The two brutal episodes follow on the heels of our joyful acclamation that born to us has been the king of kings, Lord of Lords, and prince of peace.
It is a dark reminder that God did not enter the world in Christ Jesus to cleanse the world of the evil we inflict on one another in one mighty act of divine power. Why, we wonder, didn’t God simply eliminate from humanity its addiction to vengeful violent scapegoating and its lust for power, position, and claims of others’ property?
The evil we inflict on one another is our own doing. It is our own fault and there is no one else to blame, least of all the God who created us out of love, in love, and for love. We were also created with the freedom to choose between life and death, moral and immoral, ethical and unethical. Relying on our own desires and devices we too often choose wrongly. Jesus came to rescue us from the human condition we have created. I think he has done it in two ways.
First, by word and deed he gave Holy affirmation that the words of the ancient prophets were true. God showed us the way to live a more perfect life in greater harmony with one another. It’s a way that eschews violence in all its forms, accepts responsibility for one’s own failings, and works for the good of one another without discrimination infringing on the human dignity of any other person. We are only human and it will never be a pure and perfect way of life, but it can become a better way for each one and for all. Our efforts can bring a measure of the kingdom of God into this world and into the lives of others.
Second, by entering into our life as one of us and by his death and resurrection, Jesus has offered to each and every one of us the chance to avoid the destructive forces of evil that only end in pointless, eternal death. Everyone is offered rescue. No one is required to accept it.
A metaphor might be helpful in making God’s point more clear. Think of a Coast Guard rescue swimmer who willingly descends into stormy water to be with someone in distress. The one in distress can be rescued from their condition only if they agree to surrender trying to hold on to their sinking boat and all the possessions on it. The person can be saved, but not the boat or possessions. It is possible that the person in distress might decline rescue because he would have to give up all that he had worked so hard to achieve. She might say no because all of her possessions define who she is and without them she would be nobody. Some, no doubt, would claim to be able to save themselves, no help needed thank you very much. But those who accepted the rescue would be lifted up to a new life, restored life in a new way of living.
The sentimental adoration of the newborn babe must give way to the recognition that something unheard of, incredible, unbelievable happened. God entered the troubled waters of our lives to rescue us from ourselves. At the same time, he said as long as we are in this world there’s always a better way of life. Not for us only but for all peoples everywhere. Following God’s word won’t eliminate evil, but it can be diminished. Evil cannot quench the light of Christ nor the near presence of God’s kingdom whenever and wherever we are willing to let it shine through our words in deeds
Thank you Steven. That’s a helpful answer for those who complain that God isn’t doing what’s needed to confront the evil that seems to dominate now in our world. Yes we (I) need to “live the word in deeds.”