And we will live forevermore because of Christmas Day!

Imelda Diouf is a South African educator and Katarzyna Lewucha is a Polish social worker. This is the last in a twelve-part series in which they will unpack the theme of family relations, using multicultural and multidisciplinary perspectives.

Here we are again! It’s Christmas time.

For Christians, this is a time to celebrate the birth of Christ. It is also a nice and sentimental family day. For many families, this is a time for rushing about, additional shopping for some exceptional or unique food, cooking, gift preparation and sharing. It is also a time of nostalgia; remembering those family members who live far away and those who have passed on. In some cultures, people put an empty plate on their Christmas table to memorialise those no longer alive.

Christmas is a time of joy for Christians to proclaim the good news that “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (John 1:14). Christmas is the mystery and celebration of life, love, and hope.

In times of financial difficulties and austerity, many families will, like Mary and Joseph, experience and express plenty of worries and anxieties about a place to stay and food to eat. But, like the little tiny baby who was born in a stable, family members who are bound by love and meekness, increase their strength and their ability to survive difficult circumstances. The vulnerability of the little baby, Jesus, is diverted into power that unites others in hope.

The warm cuddle of a loved one. Caring, patient hands and arms prepared to protect. A smile and sweet words ready to handle tears. Building strength and not giving up on hope. Nothing heals better than loving hands and nothing gives a better motivation to persist through difficulties than a loving heart, hope and belief.  Action underpinned by the knowledge of loved ones who need care and protection.

“Silent night, Holy night” tells of silence and of the mystery of the night when “The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world” (John, 1:9). Central to the birth of Jesus, is a new light, enlightenment. A new way of understanding the mystery of humanity and creation, as well as relations with God and each other.

But the silent night might also symbolise the darkest side of ourselves or the darkest secrets of our families that we don’t like to share and reveal. Something that the family is fearful of, scared of, ashamed of.

Yet, the darkness of Bethlehem also symbolises that even in the darkest and most forgotten areas of a family, a new life can begin.

The new beginning might be reaching out and embracing those family members who were lost or have been pushed away. From dark into light; healed relationships are possible.

Remembering Jesus, who was born between the animals and visited by both shepherds and kings, brings to light that we all matter in the eyes of God. Within our families, we all have a unique role, special place, and exceptional value. There will always be births and rebirths. We all matter. We all have something to give. We all have something to receive.

Without the birth of Christ, we would not have Christmas.

 Fall on your knees!

Oh, hear the angel voices
Oh, night divine
Oh, night when Christ was born
Oh, night divine, oh, night divine.

We wish you a happy, holy and enlightened Christmas.