Today is the eve of the celebration of nativity for many in the East. While the West celebrates December 25th, the East continues its Advent waiting, finally coming together in celebration on the 7th of January. Even as I write this, people in Russia, Ukraine, Egypt, and many other places are at midnight liturgies celebrating the birth of Christ.
We unapologetically celebrate both. For something as lifechanging and miraculous as the Incarnation, God become man, it somehow doesn't feel like too much. Instead, it feels like we are incredibly fortunate to have these rich traditions to live by.
In our first Christmas Eve, I lamented a pardon that felt particularly unjust, lamented that hard fought justice was overturned. This second Christmas eve or Eve of the Nativity I lament something else. I lament a mob storming the U.S. Capital. Scaling walls, knocking over barriers, vandalizing offices, proudly taking pictures to post on social media. I lament this country's delusional idea that it shines as a beacon of light in the world.
But if that is not enough, my deepest cry is over Christian leaders applauding this and urging people on. A well known Christian leader who hosts a radio show tweeted a picture of the 21 Coptic men, martyred by ISIS for their faith. The audacity of posting this picture with the caption "What price are you willing to pay for what you believe in?" feels like an assault on all things good, on all things holy. Indeed, it feels like an assault on the faith I hold so close and so dear.
Those of us who did not grow up in this country have often been asked in our adopted countries about the United States. They are envious of many things, among them the fact that we elect leaders and have a peaceful transfer of power. This is unthinkable to many in the world. Elections result in military coups, in forced ousting of leaders, in violence and unrest. Until this time I could be proud of this in our country.
That changed today. Today I've read the news with a gasp and cry of anger. The anger has since turned to deep sadness.
And yet... it is the Eve of Nativity. The Eve of remembering an occupation, Roman rule, unrest, and marginalization of a people. The Eve of remembering a baby "born to set thy people free." The Eve of Nativity, where I look back on the waiting and know it has come to an end.
And as I remember, I'm reminded again that this is my only hope. My hope is not in government. My hope is not in peaceful transfer of power. My hope is not in people "doing the right thing." My hope is not in the next administration. This does not mean that I will not call out wrong. This does not mean that I will not seek the welfare of the city where I live. This does not mean I will not fight evil, confronting it with discernment and courage.
What it means is that my hope will not shattered when those Christians with influence and a lot of power seem to have lost their way. It means that my hope is in somehting so much greater, wiser, and stronger.
My hope is in the one whose name is called "Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."
Right now it is the only thing I have, and it is enough.This poem was written after the Coptic Christians were martyred. I post it here, as a reminder of that which is good and true and holy.
Two rows of men walked the shore of the sea,On a day when the world's tears would run free,
One a row of assassins, who thought they did right,
The other of innocents, true sons of the light,
One holding knives in hands held high,
The other with hands empty, defenseless and tied,
One row of slits to conceal glaring-dead eyes,
The other with living eyes raised to the skies,
One row stood steady, pall-bearers of death,
The other knelt ready, welcoming heaven's breath,
One row spewed wretched, contemptible threats,
The other spread God-given peace and rest.
A Question...
Who fears the other?
The row in orange, watching paradise open?
Or the row in black, with minds evil and broken?
"Two Rows by the Sea" ©Bible Society of Egypt