Christmas is only meaningful if we strive for human dignity, Fr James Panavelil, known for his Independence Day special whistleblowing speech that went viral on social media, said.
"Though we call December 25 as Christmas, we know that it is not the day Christ was born. Christmas celebration is an adaptation of various seasonal, cultural and faith-related festivals practised by our ancestors. Even market forces have influenced the way we celebrate it. However, the message that the Christmas season brings is the humanization of God. The Bible shows that the birth of Christ happened when his family was in crisis. They were in exile as refugees. The family had no safe place to stay even at a time when the baby was to be delivered. And, what they finally got is a cattle shed," he said.
"These are relatable and real-life crises faced by humans that deserve aid and help from others. So Christmas is a time that reminds us to stand with humans who are in crisis. This introspection is more important than ever as we are still in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic. I doubt whether we are missing that point amid these celebrations. Christmas is only meaningful if we strive for human dignity," he pointed out.
Fr Panavelil who sparked social media debate with his parish speech flagging streak of extremism among a section of Christian believers in Kerala was sharing his reflections about Christmas with Mathrubhumi.com. The priest presently is assistant vicar of Puthenpally St. George...
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