Some 1,091 years ago today, England’s first king, Athelstan, hosted a grand Christmas celebration. Renowned for his conquests and wealth, Athelstan knew that true power lay in generosity. On Christmas Eve, he granted land to a lord with one stipulation: care for the homeless and destitute. This act of compassion was likely inspired by the story of Christ’s humble birth.
The Nativity, even as biblical literacy wanes, remains a cornerstone of cultural imagination. Joseph and Mary’s journey to Bethlehem, their struggle to find shelter, and the miraculous birth of Jesus among animals have resonated for centuries. This tale, retold across millennia, reflects the darkness and hope central to Christian belief.
The Nativity’s themes echo through history. In 1940, amid the devastation of the Blitz, the Coventry Carol mourned the innocents slain by Herod. Today, as conflict engulfs the lands once ruled by Herod, the Nativity reminds us of the human cost of war.
Western perceptions of the Middle East, shaped by centuries of Christian influence, frame our understanding of these conflicts. Stories from the Bible, including David’s triumph over Goliath, influence how the West interprets power dynamics. In Gaza and Israel, both sides can be seen as either David or Goliath, depending on perspective.
The enduring legacy of these biblical narratives explains the West’s deeply conflicted attitudes toward the Holy Land. For over a thousand years, these stories have shaped ideals of compassion and justice, as well as prejudices and contradictions.
As we approach Christmas, the Nativity challenges us to reflect on themes of vulnerability, power, and hope. Against the backdrop of today’s conflicts, its promise of light shines all the more brightly amidst the darkness.