Sean Major-Campbell | Jamaica is here for Christmas and beyond

Recently, a clergy colleague sent a meme to me depicting a manger scene. The image of the Holy Family was missing. In its place stood a sign which read. “ICE was here.”

The message was palpable. The absence of Joseph, Mary, and Jesus also represents the absence of treasured family life and living for many this Christmas. I wondered what might that sign look like in manger scenes across some places in Jamaica? “Melissa was here.” “Thieves were here.” “Fear was here.” “Depression is here.” “Anxiety is here.”

There are so many reasons for the Grinch image to be served. And it is indeed true that there are understandable reasons why many are feeling especially challenged this Christmas and for the year ahead. The cold, scary, shocking image of ICE is enough to explain how many are feeling at this time.

The Advent image of the stump of Jesse (father of David) in Isaiah, inspires hope. That hope is in the one who would be called ‘Emmanuel’. That person is Jesus the Christ of God.

Hope is best seen by those who are open to the way of gratitude and a positive outlook in the midst of life’s inevitable challenges. When one considers the many Jamaicans expressing a sense of thankfulness for life. Just life. Life, after losing roof or complete house! One realises that many of our people do have their priorities in the right place.

Headlines Delivered to Your Inbox

Sign up for The Gleaner’s morning and evening newsletters.

It would be okay to now include signs that read, “Food for The Poor is here.” “Red Cross is here.” “ODPEM is here.” “World Central Kitchens is here.” “Chinese naval hospital ship, Ark Silk Road was here.” “Churches have been active in helping too.” Space would be insufficient to list the many positive vibrations coming from compassionate hearts locally and internationally.

NATURE INSPIRES HOPE: The resilience of nature continues to be here. A constant reminder that every new leaf, every new sprout, is a celebration of new life, new hope, new possibilities.

The price of fresh produce has been exacerbated by the realities of Melissa, imports, and the demand-supply economics at this time of year. But nature is getting ready to surprise early in 2026 with supply overtaking demand. Hope shall remain alive and well.

A CHILD IS RESCUED:

Then there was the rescue of an abducted child. A mother and father in the persons of Councillor Scean Barnswell and his wife. This is life. This is hope. This is how Jamaica should make its business, the deliberate effort of looking, questioning, and acting in the interest of all our children. Building on the stump of a thought. The stump of suspicion. The stump of a vision to investigate. And then action!

Christ and peace and love have never been without threats of violence and hatred. Even the “Herods” of this world sometimes do what causes harm to children. Where policies separate children from their parents and destroy family life with impunity, love, joy, and peace are threatened. But hope remains a witness to possibilities of life and growth and renewal.

Today marks the 4th Sunday of Advent. That makes it the last Sunday before Christmas. In many places the Candle of Love will be lit on the Advent wreath.

A CHILD IS BORN Matthew 1:18-25 will be read in many churches today. It is another account of the nativity of Jesus the Christ. It provides a good example of the matter of literary theology versus literal theology. The nativity narrative is about a message rather than literal or biological statement. Virginity in religion is symbolic of purity. The image affirms that the nativity of the Christ Child fulfils a divine mission. Hence, Emmanuel, God is with us.

God is with us amid the threat of scandal. God is with us in the search for shelter. God is with us in the storms of life. God is still with us after the storm.

Who knew that Christmas is not first about jingle bells, tinsel, Santa, and reindeer? These are all fine with decorations and parties and so on.

However, the message of Christmas recognises the ever-present reality of pain, hurt, threats to life and safety. Christmas invites resilience even in contexts where colonial powers oppressed the weak and powerless. Christmas says that light is here. Depression is here. Anxiety is here. But Jamaica is also here. Jamaica is here.

The warm golden sunshine is here. No snowstorms. No winter. No bitter cold. And any day over the Christmas season is a great day to go to the beach. That brutal hurricane was here. Jamaica is still here and that is reason for hope. Jamaica will be stronger and better.

Many of the happiest people know only too well that the best dream house is a clean, safe dwelling. Many of the happiest people also know that the best dream car is a reliable motor vehicle. And may we come to understand that it is okay to have less so that others may have something to eat and somewhere to live.

May this Christmas be for everyone the start of new hope, renewed faith, and inspired vision for a better future for us all.

Today, we also pray in the words of the Collect for the 4th Sunday of Advent: Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation, that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a mansion prepared for himself; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Fr Sean Major-Campbell is an Anglican priest and advocate for human rights and dignity. Please send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and seanmajorcampbell@yahoo.com