Annually on the sixth day of January, Eastern Orthodox Christians traditionally observe Theophany to celebrate the revelation at the baptism of Jesus Christ. Widely known also as Three Kings Day, Latin American Christians observe it to commemorate the journey of the Magi who followed the legendary star that led them to Bethlehem to worship the Christ child. The Gospel of Matthew (2.1-2), records it thus, “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem saying, Where is He that is born king of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” The Western Church calendar calls this period of time Epiphany, and in many places it is celebrated over several days with gifts, music, and feasting. For all Christians, whatever their denomination, it is the season for sharing the joy of Christmas, a time for greeting one and all with generosity and compassion, a time for spreading hope.
But on this day in the year 2021, Americans witnessed an event tragically different from the celebration of hope and joy described above. Instead the nation saw an angry mob inspired by lies, arrogance and distortion of reality launch a brutal attack on the United States Capitol, the most emblematic symbol of our democracy, where lawmakers had gathered to certify the results of the 2020 election. The mob showed no respect for the Constitutional process, or for the Capitol Police and Metropolitan Police who, though woefully outnumbered, dutifully and valiantly tried to prevent the mob from entering the building. Eventually, the mob breached the Capitol to begin its “hunt” for the members of Congress and the Vice President of the United States. Although the goal and the targets of the assault conform to a classic case of violent insurrection, the rioters claimed they were simply patriotic citizens following the orders of the President of the United States to stop the U. S. Congress from certifying an election he claimed was being stolen. When the police assisted by the National Guard finally dispersed the rioters and restored safety to the Capitol, the members of Congress, in defiance of the attempted intimidation, returned to the Capitol to certify the election, and the Vice President–exercising the only Constitutional function authorized to him at such a time–certified the proceedings.
Now two years on since that tragic event, as a direct result of which five police officers and one of the rioters lost their lives and dozens were wounded, the beat goes on. Many of those who supported the objective of the insurrection and continue to deny the validity of the election results of 2020 sit today in the Congress. They are unapologetic, and what is more telling, they have patently failed to uphold their oath of office: “… to bear true faith and allegiance” [to the Constitution]. The extremists of the far right have continued to portray the insurrectionists as persecuted patriots and the attack on the Capitol as a legitimate exercise of “free speech.” Their ill-founded obsession is relentless:
It’s almost like Jan. 6 is baked into the electorate on the far right. When they see Jan. 6, they automatically think peaceful patriots being persecuted as political prisoners,” said Denver Riggleman, a former Republican congressman and senior technical adviser for the House select committee that investigated the attack. “It normalizes violence as an acceptable method for political disagreement. In effect, it endorses domestic terrorism. Not to mention that January 6th is a case study in radicalization and actions based completely on fantasy. [1]
But January 6 will remain a day of joy and celebration long after the tumult of 2021 has faded away. In spite of all the Sturm und Drang that has followed on that fateful day, a far greater thing endures. When the last vestiges of a madness provoked by political and economic discontent, ill-willl, and self-serving disinformation have passed into history, the hope for a better world will banish despair, unite our fellow citizens, and usher in once more a time of mutual trust and understanding. The real message of January 6 is not hatred and violence, but hope and renewal, not just for Christians, but for everyone. Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (Luke, 2.10-11)
May the victory of light over darkness proclaimed on this day of joy lift up our hearts, and may God, the Father of Lights, confer His blessing and guidance on everyone as we move ahead into the new year. Let us sing with the angels, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men! (Luke, 2.14)
Updated from January 6, 2023
[1] “Supporters raise millions to rebrand Jan. 6 rioters as ‘patriots’,” by Annie Gowen, The Washington Post, January 6, 2023.
Richard L. Marrash 