Let this period be a time to build bridges

Since the end of World War II, there have been signs of the emergence of a global community – a network of peoples and nations socially, economically and politically interdependent.

Despite its limitations, the formation of United Nations is an example. Similarly, the European Union is a unique experiment to form a community that goes beyond a mere trade bloc or a common currency zone, to allowing free movement between national borders, and establishing common standards in human right and ethical practices.

The emergence of the global community has been largely facilitated by the technological developments of the second half of the 20th century, particularly in transport and telecommunications.

At another level, the invention of the Internet has contributed to making these efforts go beyond collaboration between states at the macro-level to an exchange of opinions and even collective action among world-citizens at the micro-level.

But some events of 2016 have challenged the romantic possibility of a global community. The idealists stand aghast at the current forces of isolationism and fragmentation. Even as migrants rush into Europe, there have been signs of the world being pulled apart. From the hate-speech of Geert Wilders in Holland to the attack on foreigners in South Africa, people continue to express stereotypical hatred towards Muslims and minority communities. 

Among other events that offer this mixed feeling, two stand out. First, there was the Brexit. The United Kingdom voted to leave the EU.

Later, Donald Trump, the man who wants to build a wall along the US-Mexican border, who spoke of establishing special monitoring system over the Muslims, and threatened to pull out of trade agreements and political alliances, got elected to be the 45th US President.

How did this happen? It only tells us that not everyone wants a situation of interdependence. Meanwhile, the global community largely remains a bystander in the face of situations of prolonged conflict and possible genocide such as the civil wars in South Sudan and Syria.

At Christmas, the Christians celebrate the God who became human in an attempt to bridge the gap between humans and God, and between different peoples.

Christians believe that it was the human desire for immediate gratification, you might even call it, selfishness or sin, which had created that gap between God and humans and had estranged peoples among themselves. Therefore, God himself had to take human flesh in order to share the lives of humans and demonstrate what compassion means. This, Christians call, the mystery of incarnation. 

During his own life-time, Jesus reached out to the poor and those in the boundaries of their societies: people with leprosy, women who were ostracised by social taboos or those that were unfairly condemned. He formed a community of disciples who came from different economic backgrounds and ethnic affinities.

Yes, Christ went about building bridges. In an ultimate attempt at establishing the social and spiritual harmony in the world, he got himself killed on the cross. And the Christians believe that Jesus was raised to life as a sign of victory over all forces of discord and sin.

It is not by chance then that Christmas is a time of sharing and bonding. Even in Kenya, people travel to their rural homes to celebrate Christmas with their extended families. In urban areas, family members exchange gifts to strengthen their bonds. 

More than a century ago, the great English writer, Charles Dickens captured the spirit of Christmas in his classical A Christmas Carol.  The grumpy looking Ebenezer Scrooge realised that Christmas is all about generosity and kindness. It is going out to connect with people that his own Christmas became a celebration, and his life brighter.

Yes, Christmas is not just the time of bonding within the in-group — our families and clans —  but an opportunity to reach out to the out-group: the less fortunate and those different from us.

Even when the world is torn between narrow-minded isolationism and a generous spirit of the global community, this Christmas not only challenges us but also offers a sense of hope, inviting us to believe in the goodness of humanity.

Even amidst the strong, isolating voices, there are the feeble but bridging voices of world leaders such as Pope Francis. During a benefit concert last Saturday, he said there’s a Christmas reason to speak always about the poor and about mercy. 

Christmas is capable of bringing out subtle goodness. Hence, the bombastic agenda of the global community can start with a little act of kindness to my neighbour who is different from me.

The author is a Catholic priest and an associate professor of psychology at Tangaza University College, Nairobi. He blogs at www.sahayaselvam.org