Unsettling Advent 2024, Day 1
“Then Herod sent them to Bethlehem, saying, ‘Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.’” (Matthew 2:8)
It’s the first day of Advent. Christmas lights twinkle in my neighborhood, carols ring over the airwaves, and shoppers dash to stores (or Amazon) for good deals. It is, as the song goes, beginning to look a lot like Christmas. However, in Venezuela this year, Christmas started over two months ago. Why? Because a dictator wants to hold onto power.
According to independent analyses, President Nicolás Maduro overwhelmingly lost his reelection bid. He declared victory anyway. As protesters took to the streets, Maduro held up a Bible and read from the words of Jesus to demand people believe him. When that didn’t work, he sought a Christmas miracle.
“I am going to decree the beginning of Christmas on October 1. Christmas arrived for everyone, in peace, joy, and security!” Maduro declared on Sept. 2 as if in charge of arranging a retail store’s aisles.
Move over “12 Days of Christmas” or 25 days of Advent, Maduro went for 86 days of Christmas! But he isn’t moved by religious piety. His government that same day issued an arrest warrant for his political opponent who international observers believe won the election.
With his artificial Christmas decree, Maduro attempted to end protests by speeding up official holiday bonuses and government handouts. Venezuelan Catholic bishops boldly opposed Maduro’s authority to start Christmas early, adding that the sacred season “is not to be used for political or propaganda goals.” That sparked a rant from Maduro, who made children dress up for Christmas on Oct. 1 and sing festive songs for him (like an alternative evil Grinch who forces those in Whoville to celebrate on demand).
As I read about King Herod, I could see him employing such a Christmas strategy today. He would do anything to stay in power, even fake religious piety (in between slaughtering infants or killing his own sons he feared wanted the throne). He made significant additions to the Temple, using gold to make himself seem holy. When the Magi show up, he even has religious leaders apparently on retainer to advise him. He also fakes wanting to worship. Yet, no religious advisory council or gold decorations could cover up his profane lust for power.
Today, Herod would hold up a Bible and claim people could say “Merry Christmas” again because of him. Anything for power. When that happens, we should follow the Magi in going home by another way.
Brian Kaylor is president & editor-in-chief of Word&Way and co-author of Baptizing America: How Mainline Protestants Helped Build Christian Nationalism.