Christmas, the night of the birth of Jesus Christ, is not just a religious or cultural celebration; it is also an opportunity to reflect on the message this great figure of history brought to humanity.
A message that, even after 2,000 years, remains fresh and vital: the defense of the oppressed and the fight against the deceit of power-hungry and hypocritical rulers. On this night, it is important to once again reflect on the teachings and words of Jesus Christ and examine their relevance to the conditions of today’s societies, especially in Iran.
Jesus Christ, Advocate of the Weak and Enemy of the Hypocrites
Jesus Christ emerged in an era when his society was under the control of two corrupt groups: the Roman Empire, representing military and economic power, and the religious class, the Pharisees, who used religion to solidify their own power. However, contrary to the expectations of many, Jesus did not rely on earthly powers nor did he align himself with the hypocritical religious authorities. He was a supporter of the poor, the sick, and the outcasts, and he strongly opposed those who used religion as a tool to control the people.
Christmas, the Birth of Jesus Christ as a Symbol of Resistance Against Injustice
One of his timeless sayings that directly refers to this group is: “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel!”
This short but profound statement provides a clear image of religious hypocrisy: individuals who emphasize trivial details while ignoring their own massive corruption. Could this description be more accurate for the situation in today’s Iran?
The Clerics of Iran: The Contemporary Pharisees
Since its establishment, the leaders of the religious dictatorship in Iran have turned religion into a tool for repression, justifying oppression, and imposing their own ideology on society. The rulers of Iran, much like the Pharisees in Jesus’s time, use the outward forms of religion to control the people and silence dissent. While they preach “Islam” and “justice,” the people of Iran are increasingly burdened by poverty, injustice, and the crushing of reason.
The ruling clerics in Iran, like the Pharisees, implement minor laws and superficial restrictions with such intensity that it seems the essence of religion depends on these acts. From the imposition of compulsory hijab to interfering in the smallest aspects of people’s private lives, all of this shows that this regime, like the Pharisees of Jesus’s time, strains out a gnat while swallowing a camel — ignoring monumental economic corruption, suppression of freedoms, and vast injustices.
The Suppression of Christians in Iran
In addition to the widespread repression of public freedoms and citizens’ rights, Christians in Iran specifically face severe limitations and pressures. The Christian community in Iran, especially converts, faces discrimination and persecution for their religious beliefs. Many home churches have been shut down, and Christian leaders have been repeatedly arrested and imprisoned. The Iranian government pursues Christians on charges of “acting against national security” and “propaganda against the system,” depriving them of their right to freely practice their religion.
While the Iranian constitution officially recognizes the rights of religious minorities, in practice, the discrimination is so pervasive that many Christians are forced to leave the country or live in hiding. Even Christmas, which symbolizes joy and love for millions around the world, is heavily monitored in Iran, and many Christians are unable to celebrate the occasion freely due to fears of security crackdowns. These suppressions reflect the nature of a totalitarian regime that cannot tolerate any differences in thought or religion.
Christmas Night: A Moment for Reflection and Resistance
On Christmas night, as we think of the birth of a child who would later become the messenger of love, justice, and truth, we must ask ourselves: If Jesus were among us today, what would he do in the face of such overwhelming injustice and hypocrisy? The one who boldly stood against the Pharisees—what would be his response to the clerics who, in the name of religion, have trapped the blood of the people in a bottle?
The birth of Christ is a reminder that the struggle against injustice and hypocrisy is not only the duty of every free individual, but it can also mark the beginning of profound change in society. Christ’s message not limited to one historical period or geography. By supporting the weak and standing against the Pharisees, he showed that the path of justice is one that requires sacrifice, but its end is illumination.
Lessons for Today’s Iran
Today, Iranian society needs the spirit of resistance and hope more than ever. The people of Iran are standing against a regime that not only tramples their basic rights but also uses religion to suppress any form of protest and criticism.
However, history has shown that regimes based on oppression and deception, no matter how powerful they may seem, will not endure. Just as Christ triumphed and transformed the world with his message, the people of Iran too can change their fate by relying on unity, awareness, and faith in their own righteousness.
On this sacred night, let us connect Christ’s message with our own current circumstances and draw inspiration from it. Just as he stood against the Pharisees, we too can resist any form of injustice and hypocrisy, and build a society based on justice, freedom, and humanity. Christmas night is a night of hope; hope that the light of truth will dispel the darkness of injustice.
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