The Bible does a fine job reminding us that we’re all a bunch of sinners—big ones, little ones, doesn’t much matter. It paints a picture of humanity as hopelessly flawed, tripping over our own feet as we tumble through life. The main point, it seems, is to get us to admit we’re a mess, say we’re sorry, and ask God or Jesus to sort us out. Other religions fiddle with the details, but the tune is about the same. And, of course, when we really mess up, there’s always that handy scapegoat, the devil. we say, as if that lets us off the hook.
Now, wouldn’t it be grand if life worked like that all the time? Ate too much pie and cake? Not your fault—just blame the devil. Feeling lazy? Blame the devil. But the trouble with letting the devil take the rap is it leaves us waddling along, never learning much of anything, except how to dodge the consequences.
Humans, bless our hearts, have been killing one another since before we even had a word for it. We excuse it, justify it, dress it up in fine language, or claim it’s just in our nature. Flip through the Bible, and you’ll find a rogues’ gallery of folks who did terrible things and managed to sleep soundly at night by convincing themselves it was all part of some divine plan. It’s a fine piece of mental gymnastics.
Still, the Bible offers a curious sort of hope. It says, “Don’t worry; God will come back someday and wipe out all the wicked folks.” And, oddly enough, we like the sound of that. There’s a grim satisfaction in imagining all the evildoers getting their comeuppance. Never mind that we’re usually not too keen on admitting we might be on the list.
But maybe—just maybe—there’s a better way. What if we didn’t wait for divine thunderbolts to set things straight? What if we looked ourselves square in the eye and said, “This mess we’re in? It’s ours. We made it. Now let’s fix it.” Imagine what could happen if humanity owned up to the fact that every war, every injustice, every disaster isn’t some cosmic accident or devil’s handiwork—it’s us, plain and simple.
The trouble is, we’ve got a knack for waiting until the barn’s burned down to worry about fireproofing it. Do we need to see the gates of hell swing open before we wake up and realize we’re better than this? We don’t have to keep tearing ourselves apart, chaining ourselves up, or torching our own future just because it’s easier than thinking things through.
Take someone like Putin. He’s got his eyes fixed on his little corner of the world, grabbing and scheming like a magpie after shiny things. He doesn’t see—or won’t see—that the world is a lot bigger than his ambitions. He’s playing a short game when the stakes are long.
Enough sins to fill all of humanities history. So much has been lost. So much forgotten. So much pain, so much blood. And for what? I wonder. The past takes us. The present confuses us. The future frightens us. And our lives slip away, moment by moment, lost in that vast ugly in between. But there is still time to seize that one last fragile moment. To choose something better. To make a difference, as you say.
If humanity’s got a hope worth betting on, it’s not in waiting for some divine referee to blow the whistle. It’s in pulling together, taking a long, hard look at the damage we’ve done, and saying, “Enough.” We’ve got the brains to build something better and the heart to make it stick—if we’d just stop passing the buck long enough to try. The question is, do we have the gumption to get started before the flames get too close?
Well, here’s my Christmas wish, for what it’s worth: peace on earth, goodwill to all, and maybe a little sense in our heads to go along with it. I know it sounds about as likely as a cat herding cows, but a fellow can dream, can’t he? If not this year, then maybe next—or the one after that. Hope springs eternal, even if mankind’s got a bad habit of stepping on its own tail. But who knows? Miracles have been known to happen, and if they don’t, well, we’ll just have to keep wishing them into existence.
Test your Christmas knowledge.
The purpose of these celebrations, including Christmas and its cultural parallels, goes beyond the specific religious or cultural contexts in which they originated. They address fundamental human needs and aspirations, serving purposes that are deeply rooted in our shared human experience:
1. Acknowledging the Cycle of Nature
Purpose: To mark the passing of seasons and the renewal of life.
– Many of these celebrations occur around the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. By observing this celestial event, people symbolically welcome the return of the sun and the lengthening of days, which were vital for agricultural societies.
– Example: The Yule log in pagan traditions, the light of Hanukkah, and the bonfires of Shab-e Yalda all symbolize the growing power of light and life.
2. Creating Community and Strengthening Bonds
Purpose**: To bring people together in unity, especially during challenging times.
– Winter is a time of hardship in many climates, and gathering to celebrate fosters social cohesion and mutual support. Sharing food, stories, and rituals builds relationships and a sense of belonging.
– Example: Feasting during Saturnalia, Dongzhi, and Christmas brings families and communities together.
3. Offering Hope and Renewal
Purpose: To inspire hope for better times and reaffirm faith in life’s resilience.
– Many of these festivals center on themes of renewal, such as the birth of Jesus in Christianity, the miracle of Hanukkah, or the return of the sun in solstice traditions. They remind people that hardship is temporary and better days are ahead.
– Example: Christmas celebrates the birth of Christ as a symbol of hope and salvation.
4. Expressing Gratitude and Generosity
Purpose: To acknowledge blessings and encourage acts of giving.
– Gift-giving and acts of charity are common in these traditions, reflecting gratitude for what one has and the desire to share with others, especially those in need.
– Example: Gift exchanges in Saturnalia and Christmas, and the principles of giving in Kwanzaa.
5. Preserving and Passing Down Cultural Values
Purpose: To maintain traditions, stories, and lessons from one generation to the next.
– Celebrations often serve as a way to preserve cultural identity and impart values like family, faith, generosity, and resilience.
– Example: Reading the story of Jesus’ birth during Christmas or reciting Hafez’s poetry during Yalda keeps these traditions alive.
6. Spiritual Reflection and Worship
Purpose: To connect with the divine, the cosmos, or inner spirituality.
– Many festivals provide an opportunity for people to reflect on their lives, seek blessings, and renew their spiritual commitments.
– Example: Prayer and worship are central to Hanukkah, Christmas, and Soyal ceremonies.
7. Coping with Darkness and Cold
Purpose: To bring joy, warmth, and light during the harsh winter months.
– These celebrations often feature bright lights, warm gatherings, and festive activities to counteract the gloom of winter.
– Example: Christmas lights, Yule bonfires, and Hanukkah menorahs brighten the darkest days.
8. Affirming Universal Human Values
Purpose: To emphasize shared values like love, peace, kindness, and generosity.
– These celebrations often transcend specific religious or cultural contexts to highlight universal ideals that resonate across humanity.
– Example: The themes of peace on Earth and goodwill to all during Christmas, or unity and self-determination during Kwanzaa.
In Summary
These celebrations are not just rituals or traditions; they are deeply symbolic responses to human needs. They provide a way to:
– Understand and harmonize with nature.
– Connect with others and build community.
– Seek meaning and express gratitude.
– Find hope, joy, and renewal even in the darkest of times.
This shared purpose makes them enduring and universal, even as they take on unique expressions in different cultures.
0
