Emmanuel-God With Us: Christmas in the shadow of tragedy

As Christians worldwide gather to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ this Christmas, a season of joy, peace, and hope, the significance of the name “Emmanuel” takes on a deeper, more profound meaning. Emmanuel translates to “God with us” (cf Matt 1:24-25). This is aptly captured in the words of Saint Athanasius: “for the Son of God became man so that we might become a son of God”(CCC 460). How does this message of “Emmanuel” resonate in the minds of Christians amidst extreme and multidimensional poverty ravaging Nigeria and many nations of the world? How does the “Jingle Bell” sound in homes where they have just lost their loved ones while searching for daily bread?

In the past week alone, Nigeria has witnessed the heartbreaking loss of lives, with about 70 casualties reported in various incidents, many of which stem from stampedes from different locations in Ibadan, Anambra and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, over food distribution to the less privileged. In Ibadan, Oyo-State capital, on Wednesday 18 December, BBC reported that 35 children died at the funfair organised by the former Queen of Ile-Ife Olori Naomi Ogunwusi. On Saturday, 21 December, 22 people died in the town of Okija, Anambra State, after a philanthropist organised an event to distribute food. On the same day, ten others died in the Capital Abuja, during a similar event organised by a local Church.

Moreover, still on Sunday 22 December, news broke that some gunmen were reported to have kidnapped some travellers at Emure-Ile in the Emure Local Government Area of Ekiti-State and 30 million ransom was demanded of each passenger in an 18-seater bus. Different commentators have termed these tragedies “needless” because charity to the less privileged has been one of the hallmarks of the Christmas season, as it is termed a season for sharing. However, the crowds gathering at this different point of food distribution this year is symptomatic of the time’s harsher economic and social realities. It speaks to the level of desperation among many Nigerians.

The contrast between the joyous celebrations of Christmas and the grim realities faced by many Nigerians during this season is striking. On one hand, the Christmas story reminds believers of the miracle of God’s incarnation, His embodiment of love, peace, and hope. The name “Emmanuel” always symbolises the presence of God with humanity, especially during suffering and hardship. Christians are encouraged to embrace this promise of God’s presence, knowing He is near even in the darkest moments. On the other hand, the recent tragedies in Nigeria paint a stark picture of a world still grappling with unabated suffering and loss, even as the faithful gather in worship and celebration.

Nevertheless, the Nigerian experience of tragedy this Christmas season is also a call to action for Christians and people of goodwill. Emmanuel, “God with us,” is not a passive presence; it is a call to participate in the restoration and recreation of the world. As Christians gather to celebrate the birth of Jesus, they are reminded that they are called to be agents of transformation, healing, peace, love, and justice in their communities. The pain and suffering faced by so many in Nigeria cannot be ignored. It demands a response—a response of compassion, of providing support for those affected by violence, and working toward creating a more just and peaceful society.

The government of the day has a huge role to play in this. First, they must be at the forefront of fighting poverty. The body language of many political leaders speaks of brazen opulence amidst cries of injustices, oppression, homelessness and hunger staring their followers in the face. Secondly, the government’s failure has inspired NGOs, religious organisations and private individuals to stand in the gap for the government. Instead of criminalising these charitable groups for the disasters that happened, the government must rather wake up to see these as a litmus test of how things have gone so worse in the country and that our challenges go beyond just changing of the National Anthem to addressing more existential realities like insecurity, unemployment, poor social welfare programme etc.

In a country where violence and death have become all too common, the celebration of Christmas presents an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the values of peace, goodwill, and unity. It is a chance to renew their commitment to standing together in solidarity, hoping that the light of Christ can break through the darkness and bring about change. Emmanuel, God with us, is not just a message of comfort; it is a challenge to be agents of transformation in a world that desperately needs healing. In the words of the Holy Father: “From the manager, the Child Jesus asks us to be the voice of those who have no voice. The voice of the innocent children who have died for lack of bread and water, the voice of those who cannot find work or who have lost their jobs, the voice of those forced to flee their lands in search of a better future, risking their lives in gruelling journeys and prey to unscrupulous traffickers” (Pope Francis’ Urbi et Orbi 2023).

As Christmas is celebrated amid tragedy, let it be a reminder that God is with us, especially in times of sorrow. Let it inspire and challenge us, so that our lost souls will not be lost in vain. That the government and the followers will understand that every life is precious and no one deserves to die needlessly.
May the Souls of these departed and innocent souls find a place of consolation and rest with the Lord.

Ambrose K. Dada (Rev.Fr)
Writes from Port Elizabeth, South Africa