While there is more hope for an end to the killing and displacement of millions because of the pursuit of naked self interest by those in control, we as a species still have a long way to go before that hope turns into a lasting peace.
Those remaining who still promote the Christian message, are struggling to gain traction with a public turned off by the hypocrisy and mismanagement of the once dominant faith based denominations.
Who would have thought that the most senior bishop of the Anglican Church, fresh from crowning the King of England, would find it necessary to resign in the face of criticism for his role in the coverup of some of the church’s worst crimes against its own people.
No wonder those who are looking at the Christian churches for help mentally, spiritually and physically during their hour of need, are finding the cupboard is bare and must look elsewhere for salvation.
However, given that the world has generally renounced the teachings that once upon a time and not so long ago formed the backbone of the British Empire, it is understandable that the Christian message makes no sense to the millions who have lost everything.
So, should those that are left give up?
I say - not at all!
As someone who is arguably the least worthy in modern society to be promoting the gospel message of rebirth, I still believe that it is the only one that is timeless in its capacity to forgive and start over.
I say that because, stripped of all the modern secular images of Santa and the commercial extravaganza we are about to witness, the message of a child being born in humble surroundings is the story that accommodates all the misdeeds of the past year and offers the hope that we just might be heading for better times.
It is also worth noting that international events of recent times (during the last few days in fact) appear to offer a reasonable expectancy that a world at war has suddenly turned the corner and is heading for a period of peace.
Donald Trump’s victory in November and the overthrow of the Assad regime in Syria, plus the apparent willingness of Ukraine and Russia to halt hostilities and reach a settlement do suggest that the tide may have already turned.
But it will not be enough for the leaders of the waring factions to work out a deal on their own.
It will require all the peoples of the world to commit to a new beginning where no person is left behind.
We have shown before that this sort of herculian task is not beyond us.
This time though, it will be different because any agreements will not be based on a common belief in a greater being.
We are going to have to trust in mankind’s ability to do it on our own.
That proposition scares the hell out of me but we have no choice.
Happy Christmas everyone and all that it means to you and those you love.
Clive Bibby is a commentator, consultant, farmer and community leader, who lives in Tolaga Bay.
So, should those that are left give up?
I say - not at all!
As someone who is arguably the least worthy in modern society to be promoting the gospel message of rebirth, I still believe that it is the only one that is timeless in its capacity to forgive and start over.
I say that because, stripped of all the modern secular images of Santa and the commercial extravaganza we are about to witness, the message of a child being born in humble surroundings is the story that accommodates all the misdeeds of the past year and offers the hope that we just might be heading for better times.
It is also worth noting that international events of recent times (during the last few days in fact) appear to offer a reasonable expectancy that a world at war has suddenly turned the corner and is heading for a period of peace.
Donald Trump’s victory in November and the overthrow of the Assad regime in Syria, plus the apparent willingness of Ukraine and Russia to halt hostilities and reach a settlement do suggest that the tide may have already turned.
But it will not be enough for the leaders of the waring factions to work out a deal on their own.
It will require all the peoples of the world to commit to a new beginning where no person is left behind.
We have shown before that this sort of herculian task is not beyond us.
This time though, it will be different because any agreements will not be based on a common belief in a greater being.
We are going to have to trust in mankind’s ability to do it on our own.
That proposition scares the hell out of me but we have no choice.
Happy Christmas everyone and all that it means to you and those you love.
Clive Bibby is a commentator, consultant, farmer and community leader, who lives in Tolaga Bay.
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