The message of Christmas since time immemorial has been on the lines of peace on earth and good will to all.
The message is under siege around the world as the last days of 2023 fade into memory.
There is nothing the matter with the actual message. There is much that matters with those who would ignore or defy it.
The message is under pressure on multiple war fronts, in all too many societies around the world facing repression, hunger, or the increasingly negative effects of climate change.
The world needs a reset.
There are those who are trying to implement one. But their's is a distinctly Sisyphean task.
"Every day that continues without a ceasefire is an assent to the death of civilians, such a large proportion of whom are children. We hear, too, of mothers giving birth in the most impossible of situations. It is important that the world turns its eyes to Gaza, these are happenings from which it cannot avert its gaze.“
Some among the would be re-setters met at the residence of Irish president Michael D. Higgins at the beginning of this week. At Áras an Uachtaráin, President Higgins met with the Director General of the World Health Organisation Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus. Also in attendance were WHO Executive Director for Emergencies Dr. Mike Ryan, and WHO Technical Officer Dr. Cindi Lewis.
In a statement following the meeting, President Higgins said: “It would be difficult to overestimate the importance of the contribution Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus and his team are making to humanity, and how it is giving all of us hope in what are the most horrific of times in terms of loss of civilian life. That work deserves our unreserved support.
"At our meeting today, Dr Ghebreyesus and Dr. Ryan shared with me the appalling situation on the ground in Gaza and the vital need for greatly increased medical supplies to be provided to those suffering.
"Every day that continues without a ceasefire is an assent to the death of civilians, such a large proportion of whom are children. We hear, too, of mothers giving birth in the most impossible of situations. It is important that the world turns its eyes to Gaza, these are happenings from which it cannot avert its gaze.
"In this context, we noted at our meeting the important role which is being played by the Taoiseach and the Irish Government in working to try to bring an immediate end to this loss of life. We further discussed the situation in the far too many fragile, conflict affected and vulnerable settings (FCVs) across the world which are facing the convergence of so many interrelated risks and threats, each of which are exacerbated by climate change, hunger, forced migration, disease and displacement.
In too many places across the world, as Dr. Ryan has highlighted, we are seeing the long-established principles of international law being not only abandoned, but actively subverted, including the use of gender based and sexual violence. It is vital that the international multilateral institutions take action to tackle this deeply disturbing trend.
"We discussed the debate that surrounds a multilateral based Pandemic Agreement and the need for openness to change. We must also ensure that our multilateral institutions work to learn from the lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic, and ensure that there are no blocks to those most in need receiving access to the necessary medical and healthcare technology.
"It is therefore very important that all of us engage in the debate on the underlying principles which are required in order to deal with future pandemics, including in discussions around a draft treaty on pandemic preparedness, such as that being proposed by the WHO.”
Not exactly a pretty or reassuring picture at a time of year when we would prefer all to be merry and bright.
But we have to take heart from the fact that many, many people around our world are working to make things better for humanity, at this special time of year, and at all times of the year.
The Christmas Message is alive at the end of 2023. But it has to be mightily defended.
So peace on earth, and goodwill to all men, women and children. And for those who celebrate Christmas, a merry, peaceful and holy one.
