Evidently, two years ago, the prime minster and defense minster of Israel directed the Israel Defense Forces and the country’s intelligence and special operations agency to prepare for a strike against Iran’s nuclear facilities. The heads of both organizations were opposed to this initiative and never fully prepared for a stike. These leaders have now retired and have spoken out in opposition to an Israeli attack against Iran.
I found it very interesting that these leaders had the strength of conscience to undermine their superiors by not cooperating with the directive they were given. My impression is that it is rare to see such defiance at such a high level unless there is direct personal interest involved. And yet, it is heartening to hear of people following their consciences and doing what they believe is right from a moral and practical perspective.
Meaningful change in the world can happen when people take responsibility for doing their part, and sometimes that means not doing something that is expected of you. On a more mundane level, pertinent to the holidays, I know someone who felt obligated to give her extended family members gifts on Christmas, even though she knew they already had too much, and did not need another sweater, or another tie, or another bottle of lotion. But she went along with it because it was what was expected. Then one year, she broke free and gave each person a card with a note about the organization she had given a donation to in their name. She was very thoughtful, giving to things she knew each one cared about. She was concerned about how this would go over. The next Christmas, she got cards from some of her relatives who had donated to efforts that she cares about. So, this was accepted. Or at least, it was not rejected and she was not condemned for it.
If we believe that the birth of Jesus is glad tidings of great joy to ALL people, then we need to be ready to live those glad tidings in ways that may be defiant, subversive, or offensive to some. But if we simply support the staus quo, then who cares that Jesus even came at all? Glad tidings of great joy to ALL people is a big message, a world changing cataclysm. It’s not the usual “What’s in it for me?” perspective that motivates much of human behavior. So, get ready to rock the boat with those glad tidings!
Prayer: The glad tidings of Jesus’ birth are earth shaking and soul quaking. May we have the courage live those glad tidings whatever the cost. Afterall, that’s what Jesus did. Amen.
Lakewood United Church of Christ 