A grim reality and formidable challenge behind
This celebration is a community based in the Pakistani culture. The term “Eid Waladat -e- Masih” is a new one being used by some churches alongside traditional “Christmas”. The old term “Bara Din (big day)” is almost out of use. Another phenomenon observed is the increased display of Christmas decorative items, mostly imported from China. All western traditional Christmas decorations (including Santa and Christmas tree!!) are cheaply available in the market. It has been also observed that more govt. and private officials, public and private universities have at least one “Christmas party” at their campus. The media in last ten years has developed a lot becoming one of the freest one in the Muslim world. About 50 private TV channels telecasting 24 hours on the cable are reaching towns and cities. They are generous with Christian celebrations and telecast live and recorded programs. The cable fee per month is about US$1.5 thus enabling households to enjoy the 24 hours entertainment shows, movies, and talk shows. Christmas functions are held at the highest govt. level by the Prime Minister. Mostly Christian citizens are poor and confined to the job of sweepers in govt. and private offices and city councils, called “corporations”. They are invited for gift distribution ceremony and Muslim dignitaries and political leaders distribute gifts packets which include one kilogram each of sugar, rice, lentils and edible oil and some time cash of US$10. There is a Christmas cake on the table and all the leaders will stand on one side to cut it while facing towards a large number of cameras. (I happened to be in one party where the cake was cut three times by different groups!!) The picture is printed in the news paper next day for the delight of all, especially the pastor and other Christian leaders who have a rare chance in a year’s time to be pictured with politicians and high govt. officials. With introduction of joint electoral system, all Muslim politicians would like to take advantage to offer a Christmas party to get assurance that Christians would vote for him or her in the next elections.
One Muslim high official was true in his speech at a Christmas party, when he remarked that he was appreciative of the Christians in the Rawalpindi city because they cleaned the city in the early morning while Muslims slept. I think he was not being sarcastic but was truly being thankful for the thankless but much needed work done by poor Christians. At the same time he spelled out a grim reality that majority of christian citizen still carry out the most humiliating job of cleaning streets, filth filled drains, pubic latrines and sewers. No one is to be blamed but the community itself. Each Christmas does not bring any change in their status. Education and health conditions are also appalling as tuberculosis is becoming like a monster in more than 10 Christian squatters located among the posh areas of the capital, these communities are indulging in liquor and drug selling business. To celebrate a festival (Eid) is one way to withdraw attention from the ground realities of life this community is facing from centuries. If Jesus has become their savior, it must translate into a new spirit in side, a fresh thinking and divine vision for striving for the glory of the Savoir. The pomp and show and decorations can fill an emotional gap but spiritual hunger cannot be subsided till the fulfillment of the inner needs of the soul. This will be done only by the miracle of new birth by the power of the Holy Spirit. May this Christmas bring this kind of change in many lives in Pakistan.
It has been about two years that a local decoration has been becoming popular by erecting a long bamboo pole covered with colored cloth and bright decorative electric lights and then affixing a star on the top. It can be posted on the top of the house, the bigger a star and the tallest a pole, the better!! It has become like a Christian symbol in Pakistan, but only a seasonal one. A true Christian will be a light in the country for all seasons. This year the fortieths mourning day of Shiite Community fell on December 24. It caused cordoning off many parts of Rawalpindi by blocking road with trailer carrying loaded 40 ft ship containers to ensure safety for mourners. One big church is located in the very area. There is a tension between Sunni and Shiite community all over the country and cell phone service is suspended in 56 cities. Only the love of Jesus in answer for many socio- political and religious contentions. May the Prince of peace dwell the troubled hearts.
With the freedom and opportunities provided by the govt. the main responsibility lies with the people themselves for any change desiring to live a honorable and fulfilling life in the country. The educated and privileged Christian citizens have also a responsibility to reach out to this marginalized community and carry out reform programs which many to get education at schools and hostel run by missionaries about hundred years ago. The easy and fast track strategy can be to make all church sanctuaries day school for 5 days a week up to class 5. In the evening there could be educational coaching classes for higher classes, adult literacy / skill classes for adults to harness their talents and business acumen. At present huge church building are lying empty all the week except 2 hours on Sunday!! A bad choice of asset use by a poor community. Two of the pastors (Zarephath Bible Seminary graduates) are running such a “church school” in Islamabad, a superb model worth seeing! The spiritual nurture is also a big need for these people by trained Bible teachers less they fall prey to cults and heresies. It is also a time that Christian can share the message of salvation and peace with their neighbors.
May God bless Pakistan.