A not so serene Christmas

The mood is somewhere between insecurity and apprehensiveness as Christian communities across the country prepare for Christmas this year. It is not unlike last year, when Christmas Day was celebrated with the lingering memories of terrorist bombings from the previous year, when a number of churches nationwide were targeted, killing at least 15 churchgoers and seriously injuring 96 other innocent people.

The ambience of vulnerability seems to be stronger this year, only about two months after the Bali carnage -- so far the most horrible bombing the country has suffered, with nearly 200 people killed. The perpetrators of the Bali bombings have not been fully exposed. From some of the suspects apprehended in Sulawesi, investigators found maps that seemed to indicate plans to attack churches in different parts of the country.

Church leaders around the country have appealed for self- restraint from their congregations in celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ more than two millennia ago. In some areas, churches have been urged to hold services during the day rather than the traditional late evening services. Worshipers at other churches have been notified in advance that they will have to pass through metal detectors when they arrive for Christmas Day services.

Security forces across the country have disbursed press statements extolling the increased deployment of security personnel around houses of worship during this coming Christmas. This is meant to be both a deterrent as well as a protective measure.

There is a disturbing feeling of inconvenience, discomfort and unease surrounding this Christmas, instead of the inspiring serenity and peacefulness usually associated with the holiday. The merriness of Christmas has become a luxury.

The Christmas joint message conveyed by the (Catholic) Bishops Council of Indonesia and the (Protestant) Community of Churches in Indonesia this year, began with an expression of "hurt feelings but at the same time hope for recovery".

The hurt feelings are based on the recurring acts of violence, which tend to be murderous in character. These acts of violence violate humanity itself and take place in many parts of the world, including the carnage in Bali.

This is all the more so because the Bali bombings took place at a time when most of the nation, for numerous reasons, was caught in a state of uncertainty and insecurity. The majority of the populace feels strongly that the economic recovery is far from adequate, law enforcement keeps stumbling, democracy is inhibited, regional autonomy has not been properly implemented, all combining to strangle people's welfare. What we have is increasing unemployment, inept handling of workers, both domestic as well as migrant, and many other grueling facts of life.

In other words, the political and economic spheres, instead of promoting people's welfare, have increasingly become arenas of power and pecuniary struggles. All the while the suffering of the people continues to multiply and spread.

If Christmas has a meaningful purpose, it should include the liberation of humanity from suffering and indignity.

With that in mind, we sincerely wish all of you a Merry Christmas.