Sweet Honey in the Rock Sings "Silent Night" — With Reminders of Michael Brown and Eric Garner

If Leonardo Boff is correct (and surely he is) when he maintains that we can't celebrate Christmas adequately around our inclusive family tables without remembering those on the outside, then how are we American Christians going to celebrate Christmas this year, I wonder, in the middle of a growing, significant national conversation about the different way in which the criminal justice system treats some of us, on the basis of our pigmentation? Sweet Honey in the Rock states,

During this very troubling and turbulent holiday season, we stand with the millions of Americans and people around the world who believe there can be no peace without justice and that black lives and all lives matter. We send our prayers and dedicate our rendition of "Silent Night" and this video to all the families and communities who are grieving over the loss of a loved one. We must continue to demand that our collective voices are heard and will not be silenced until true justice and peace prevails. 

And I'm glad for the reminder. If we in the U.S. imagine we can celebrate Christmas this year without thinking of Michael Brown and Eric Garner, then I would propose that we haven't quite understood what Christmas is about.