Garth Minott | Christmas: A time to celebrate the body

Christmas is a time for celebration. This is done through food, drink, music, dance, family gatherings, parties, church, social gatherings, occasions for frolicking, and, just simply having fun. Not to be outdone is the Christian focus on what we refer to as the incarnation (John 1:14). That is, according to scripture, in the fullness of time God sent his Son into the world (Gal 4:4).

In other words, Christmas is not just a holiday set aside for fun and frolicking, though some of that is included. Rather, it is a sober reminder that the God who created this world has not left it on autopilot. Integrally involved in it, especially with God as Creator, is the making and remaking all parts of life in order that this world becomes a better place for all to live.

What then is Christmas? It is the celebration of the birth of Christ. Though the word Christmas is not in the Bible, and the history of the celebration as it has come down to us today, for the most part, began in Europe, nevertheless, it marks a significant event in human history. Take the manger scene for example. This was developed in the 13th century by St Francis of Assisi, who was disgusted by the decline of respect for the celebration of Christmas.

To correct the practice, Francis collected cows, donkeys, horses, and sheep, which he borrowed from friends and neighbours, and displayed them in various locations, together with a baby made of wax. Real human beings, including the poor and homeless, playing the role of shepherds and the holy family, demonstrated that Christmas is about showing respect and regard for the greatest gift of all time. God is in the flesh, both animals and humans, in order to free us from the things that drive us away and apart from God. Christmas is therefore good news that God loves and wills to spend time with people, especially the poor and vulnerable.

CELEBRATE OUR BODIES

Christmas is indeed a time to celebrate our bodies. Think of young Mary, with a young child, how frightening this must have been for her. And what of the elderly Joseph? With a young child he was forced to accept as a bride, and now the mother of his child, of which he is not the biological father, yet, he embraced his fate and faith. Far away from home, and, having to sustain a very vulnerable life, what does this mean for what we have become accustomed to calling the Holy Family?

A very apt description indeed as long as we keep in mind the messy nature of the context in which Jesus was born. Yet, it is precisely in such situations the divine choses to live and make His abode. Similarly, our bodies must function in the messy world of violence, wars and the threat of war, especially in our backyard in Caribbean waters. Likewise, we must spare a thought for people in Nigeria, South Sudan, Yemen and other places where Christians are being killed for their faith. This is a very treacherous time to be celebrating the body but celebrate we must because God chose, and still chooses, to live in it.

How should we celebrate our bodies? A Jewish prayer known as Asher Yatzar is a very useful way to help celebrate our bodies. As St Paul says, those parts of our bodies we are not proud of (I Cor 12:23) are still very vital to the overall function. In the Jewish prayer asserts, Blessed are you, Hashem our God, King of the universe, Who formed man with wisdom and created within him many openings and many hollows. It is obvious and known before Your Throne of Glory that if even one of them ruptures, or if even one of them becomes blocked, it would be impossible to survive and to stand before You (even for a short period). Blessed are You, Hashem, Who heals all flesh and acts wondrously. This prayer, very real, practical, and frankly very explicit, nevertheless, takes seriously the marvelous, and at the same time, ubiquitous nature of the body. St Mother Teresa of Calcutta, recognizing the awesome nature of bodies, made in the image of God, dedicated her entire life to nurturing and caring for them.

DIGNITY, WORTH AND VALUE

In the spirit of the celebration of Christmas this year, therefore, we must keep in mind the dignity, worth, and value of our bodies. We must also be mindful of the numerous bodies of adults and children, under stress and pressure because they have had to live away from home because of the disaster wrought by hurricane Mellissa. Others have had to make contrived living facilities in order to remain in a familiar place and space. The psychological, emotional and spiritual stress many are still experiencing must not be ignored. Still others have been able to complete full and comprehensive repairs and replacements and are pretty much back to normal. Let us, as we celebrate Christmas and the New Year, never forget to give thanks for our bodies, given as gifts, and require respect, irrespective of who we are and where we live. Merry Christmas.

Rt Rev Garth Minott is the Anglican bishop of Kingston. Send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com.