For the past few years, I have used the occasion of the celebration of the Nativity to engage us in reflection on some social phenomenon either mentioned or linked to events surrounding the birth of Jesus. Previous reflections included the passage from St. Luke 2: 7, which tells of Jesus being laid in a manger, because there was no room in the inn. The issue of homelessness was addressed. Persons with means were challenged to present themselves to become foster parents to the increasing number of children on the island who from time to time needed to be placed in safe and loving environments. As 2012 draws to a close, such a need remains. Notwithstanding, the department is grateful to all who opened their homes to and shared their resources with these children over the years.
In 2011, we reflected on the passage in St. Mathew chapter 2, verses 1-12, which records the visit of the wise men who, on finding the young child, Jesus, presented unto him precious gifts (verse 11). That passage was used to express gratitude to the many individuals, groups, organisations and institutions that, despite the difficult financial times, went out of the way to either sponsor families for the season,present gifts or provided food baskets so that the less fortunate would not be left out of the celebrations during this joyous season. The department continued to witness these acts of kindness unfold throughout this year. It is truly amazing that amidst all the lack, pain and suffering there are still persons who are prepared to think less of self and more of others thus bringing cheer to children and families for whom the hopes and promises of the season may otherwise remain a dream. The department again says thanks for your acts of kindness and service.
But there is an event associated with the birth of Jesus that we often ignore because it stands in stark contrast to the spirit of the season. I speak of the genocide of Jewish boys two years and younger, by the Roman soldiers, under the order of King Herod. This violent event parallels a similar incident recorded in Exodus 1:15 and 16; around the time when Moses was born in Egypt (Exodus 2:1-10). In his account of the birth of Jesus, the Apostle Matthew, in direct fulfilment of the prophecy of Jeremiah (31:15) laments:
A voice was heard in Ramah: wailing and great mourning. Rachel was crying for her children. She refused to be comforted, because they no longer existed.” (Mathew 2:18)
It must have been a heart-wrenching experience for those mothers.Some of them must have had their babies literally ripped from their arms and they helplessly watched as their little angels were mercilessly slaughtered. They had hopes for their sons. All that vanished in an act of cruelty and tragedy. No wonder Mathew described it as wailing and great mourning – lamentation.
As we follow world events today we realise nothing much has changed. We are still forced to grapple with the pain and anguish emanating from senseless acts of violence, as if there is ever any sense in violence. The shooting in Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut, USA, is a startling reminder. Here in Anguilla the many reports of arm robberies; shootings that have left many of our young men paraplegics; and of course the most recent fatal shootings challenge us to take stock of our country and ourselves. We know what drove King Herod to order the killing of the Jewish boys. He saw Jesus as a treat to his throne. We are still figuring out the motives behind what is occurring in our land. As we struggle to make sense of these events we are also constrained to display acts of empathy and sympathy. While we celebrate and rejoice, and rightly so, because of the significance of the birth of the Christ, the reality is, this Christmas:
• There are many mothers weeping for their children because they are no more.
• There are children grieving for their parents because they are no more.
• There are boys and girls mourning for their siblings because they are no more.
Too many of our young men have left this world suddenly and tragically. Like Rachel, the pain is too much to bear. The grief is overwhelming. The hope is that sorrowing and grieving families will find solace this Christmas through family reunions and other acts of caring.
The Staff of the Department of Social Development is impacted greatly by these events. It is not uncommon for persons involved in these sad and tragic acts to be either clients, relatives of clients or otherwise known to the department in some way. Social workers must work with relatives of victims in a counselling relationship to help them cope. Social workers must process documents to assist some relatives in making arrangements and or obtaining financial assistance for injured relatives to access medical treatment overseas and or bury their deceased. The violent climate leaves none unscathed.
I commend the staff of the Department for rendering service under difficult and trying circumstances. While you (the staff) may seldom be told even by those you assist, your intervention is making a positive difference in the lives of many. Management therefore publicly commend you for your service to the clients and the Anguillian public at large.
I challenge all this Christmas season to treasure your kinship ties. Parents who still have children cherish every moment with them. Children do the same if your parents are alive. Seize every opportunity to acknowledge acts of kindness. Be generous in your praise. Be affirming in your utterances. Tell others how much you love them and how much they mean to you. After all love characterises the season. Undoubtedly, as we share our love with and for each other then we will think less of hurting each other and committing violent acts against each other. When genuine love saturates the heart of man it will permeate the society and overtime, hatred will gradually and ultimately cease.
Henry Burton penned the words to a popular hymn, ‘There’s a Light Upon the Mountain’, which speaks to the Advent of Christ:His Kingdom present and future. Stanza three of that hymn reads (quote)
He is breaking down the barriers,
He is casting up the way;
He is calling for His angels to build
up the gates of day;
But His angels here are human, not
the shining hosts above,
For the drum-beats of His army are
the heart-beats of our love.
(unquote)
Be an angel to someone this Christmas.
Blessed Christmas to all from the management and staff of the Department of Social Development
(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)
