As we draw to a close of 2024, we can say it in hindsight that it has been a momentous year. The world has been on tenterhooks with wars and the fast-deteriorating situation in West Asia. Also, a record number of over 60 countries, covering nearly half of the global population (49%), cast their votes to elect new governments amidst anger over failing economies and division over cultural issues. Disillusionment against the political class has been widespread.
At a global level, wars in Gaza and Ukraine have dominated headlines. In Gaza alone, it is estimated over 20,000 have been killed, including 5,000 children. Far from any peaceful resolution, the ongoing wars have already fast escalated into new theatres of violence in Lebanon, Syria and Iran. It’s been nearly three years for the war in Ukraine and there are no signs of ending.
Closer home, in India, Manipur remains on the boil, with no sight of normalcy anytime soon. People of all ages and communities live in the shadow of fear, with their lives and livelihoods destroyed. The Christian community in Manipur has been the worst hit—as Kukis, who are largely Christian, have been at the receiving end of violence. Properties of churches and church-affiliated organisations have been vandalised.
Manipur hardly made it to the electoral discourse, when India voted back to power Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), albeit with a reduced majority. The wave of hatred towards religious and other minorities and marginalised seen in the last decade shows no signs of abatement—as the state lets those spreading hatred and unleashing violence go scot-free. Crony capitalism and the capture of media by oligarchs seems complete both the world over and in India. The scourges of gender discrimination, casteism and religious intolerance continue to rear their ugly heads.
Amid this gloomy scenario, it is worth asking this Christmas season: If there’s hope for this world beset and buffeted by what appears to be insurmountable challenges? Yes, our sole hope lies in our Prince of Peace, our Lord and Saviour Lord Jesus. It is our fervent hope and prayer from all of us at the National Christian Watch (NDCW) for peace to return to our dear world. Like with the First Christmas in Bethlehem 2024 years ago, we hope the shadows of gloom, despair, injustice and discrimination fade away to make way for peace and joy to return to our dear planet.
From all of us at NDCW, we wish each one of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
