Urban Thought Collective

“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today, in the town of David a Savior has been born to you, he is Christ the Lord.” — Luke 2:10,11

Most Christmas celebrants have no idea that when Jesus was born the people of his d were under a huge degree of oppression. Few Christmas shoppers know that the people of that era were dealing with issues similar to our own – religious oppression, racism, gender bias and sexism, unequal distribution of wealth, health concerns and a corrupt & wicked government led King Herod. Few Christmas plays or movies tell the truth that Mary and Joseph were on the same economic level as middle-class Americans – which is why, when they went to the temple for purification on the 8th day to circumcise Jesus, they brought a pair of doves and two young pigeons as was the custom for folks who couldn’t afford a healthy male lamb. And no one ever discusses that fact that when the Shepherds received word from an Angel about the baby born in the town of David, those Shepherds who were out in the field tending to their sheep, were among the lower class of society.

Few of us realize that woven into the story of baby Jesus are the harsh realities of social injustices, poverty, and economic unrest, which is why the angels proclaimed they had “GOOD NEWS OF GREAT JOY THAT WILL BE FOR ALL THE PEOPLE. Jesus being born was not just about everyone becoming a “Christian” as we understand it today; as a matter of fact, Jesus was Jewish. The word Christian/Christianity came along much later with the development of the church and it helps us to understand our faith. However, the good news in the story of the Christ child being born ‘aka’ Christmas is about liberation not denomination. The Christ child would become the opportunity, the doorway, to help free people by inviting them into a new reality of what can be.

I am a Christian, and I don’t waiver in that. But I believe the greater cause for humanity is to seek liberation for all people.

When I think of Zimbabwe, I believe we must do all that we can to help liberate oppressed people, and continue to demand Mugabe to step down. When I think about Sudan and Darfur, and women in parts of the world who are being ill-treated like 3rd class citizens, I believe it is our human responsibility to speak up for the liberation of innocent people. When we understand the crisis of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, we must push for education and access to resources that lead to healthy bodies and communities. When I think about poverty in America (and yes there is poverty in America), I am appalled that our government gave billion of dollars away in the name of “bail-out” without holding Corporate Executives accountable, additionally leaving out of the equation the plight of struggling families, which will only lead to greater economic oppression for some.

Christmas is a reminder that we have help on our side, that liberation and justice are at the heart of the Christmas story; and that the plight of people was on the mind of our Creator when the Christ child was born. That’s good news!

And today, at our holiday season 2008, like those Shepherds, we could use a reminder of some good news of great joy. So how about this:

The best is yet to come, because Bush is out and Barack is in, in less than 30 days. That’s good news!

Merry Christmas, Feliz Navidad, and Joyeux de Noel!!

Najuma Smith is a preacher, world traveler, writer, and proud parent. She currently serves as the full-time Sr. Pastor of St. James AME Church in Los Angeles. Unapologetically saved and full of purpose, she enjoys sharing words of encouragement with anyone who will listen, bringing a fresh look at life in light of the Word of God. Her collection of motivations and observations are exclusive to Urban Thought Collective. Visit her at www.myspace.com/revjuju.