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A Very Canary Christmas


Matisyahu - The Jewish Reggae guy

The other night I went with my old and dear friend Merco to see Matisyahu in concert. To say I knew very little about the man would be an understatement:
1. I know one song he's done: "One Day".
2. I thought he was black.
3. Not only is he not black and doesn't have dreads, he's Jewish.

The first thing that really struck me was how few of the words I could make out. It truly sounded like he just made sounds into the microphone and threw in some English words every once in awhile to reassure everyone that he was actually singing about something. In contrast to most reggae out there, which is a ceaseless cycle of uninspired drum beats and toneless singing, he had very creative and lively music. But again, it was pretty much instrumental to my ears.

The thing that truly made a profound impression on me was what is pictured above. Towards the end of his set, Matisyahu brought a menorah onto the stage and lit it as he sang. I'm sure that it had a profound effect on the members of the audience who were Jewish (lots), and I was truly blown away by his transparency. It's simple: He's Jewish; it is what he lives and what permeates all facets of his life. He doesn't give it up as a sacrificial offering to the god of Tolerance.

Seeing that made me reflect on my own actions. Do I go out of my way to not be who I am out of tolerance? Oh yes I do. In certain ways my job necessitates me being obsequious. I have to be careful not to upset people, because some love to get mad at bankers. Does that mean I say "Happy Holidays!" instead of "Merry Christmas!"? Nope. If someone with ten million dollars got upset, complained to corporate, and got me fired for saying "Merry Christmas" that would be awesome. Why would I shy away from that?

I've said it before, but sometimes trying to be all things to all people results in a loss of self-identity. I don't really want to blend in to the melting pot. I think one thing we haven't really realized is that being Christian truly is counter-cultural now. I heard played over a grocery store speakers "On the third day of the holiday, my true love gave to me..." It was disgustingly gimmicky and horridly bland. Pop culture wants absolutely nothing to do with Christianity.

We rely on our iPhones to spell words for us. We expect our cars to tell us when they are out of gas. When a movie that will doubtlessly be devoid of all but the basest forms of humor and entertainment isn't shown, we protest loudly for the "principle" of it. Think about that for a second. We are losing the war between cultural influence and the individual person. I talk about that a lot, but it's because I see it happening at places like Christendom College.

Happy feast of Christmas Eve. Enjoy your time with your family. Have some wine and some laughs. Give and receive. Let baby Jesus imbue you with the true mirth that arises from goodness. So to you all, MERRY CHRISTMAS!

~Worley


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