Anti-government protesters in Baghdad
It's a challenge to keep up with the turmoil and chaos of our world and let's be honest, sometimes it's bad for our mental health to be immersed in the unending tales of woe. At the same time I realize that I don't have a right to turn down or off the injustice around me and at a distance just because it makes me uncomfortable. There are plenty of passages in the Hebrew scriptures and the New Testament which warn about indifference to the suffering of others, including some of the sternest statements of Jesus.
You may have seen that Iraq has been wracked by public protests which have resulted in the deaths of at least 400 people by security forces. It is sad indication that the war in Iraq accomplished little and that the country continues to be dangerous and unstable. Many Iraqis are frustrated that they are without clean water and electricity and jobs, despite the country having large oil reserves.
Christians at prayer in Baghdad
We also know the years of chaos were terrible for the Christian minority in Iraq, a largely Muslim country. Many Christians have been persecuted or killed, and a significant number have fled to other nations. Despite this Christians have been active distributing food to protesters, often putting themselves in harm's way.
Sadly, the Roman Catholic church and other Christian groups have chosen to cancel Christmas celebrations and services this year. In part this is solidarity with the protest movement but it is also a matter of safety in such an unstable environment.
We do want to give thanks for the birth of Jesus in our culture. We can remember that he was born into an oppressive empire which ultimately put him to death. This Christmas we might pray for Easter resurrection hope for the Christians of Iraq and peace in a region which has experienced violence for so long.
Food distribution in Baghdad by Baptists
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