In His Name All Oppression Will Cease

The famous Christmas hymn, "O Holy Night", features these words: "and in his name all oppression shall cease " When we use the modern term "will cease", the message remains unchanged.

But what is the message? Is there evidence all oppression has ceased? Jesus' work and message have been known for over two thousand years.

 Although one could make a case for much good having been done in his name, one could also make an equally good case that much evil and oppression have been put forward by those using his name.

Is there a meaningful, honest message in the words of the hymn? Yes. Yes, there is.

The conquering and cessation of oppression can happen individually and collectively. Jesus Christ offers freedom from individual oppression as he changes our character and nature and in doing so, he inspires us to change our communities and neighborhoods and our circles of family and friends. He gives us sensitivity to the needs of others and empathy for what others see and experience and struggle with. He also gives us courage to act, speak, organize, work, discipline ourselves, and invest in making the kingdom of God real and visible and present in this time.

Jesus welcomed and healed the needy, sinners, those lost to mental illness and physical weakness, those trapped in isolation and loneliness and fear. It was his personal touch that restored these and others to themselves, their communities, and their loved ones. It was his personal touch that made all of the difference in beginning the road to healing and wholeness.

Jesus never turned away any person who came to him believing he could and would help them. That was true thousands of years ago and it is true today.

Why haven't we seen more of this healing and wholeness and forgiveness and restoration in the larger culture?

Does Jesus save and free only individuals and not communities and cultures? Next time, we'll explore the answer to this question.