Every year, December transforms our world, mostly for the better. Amidst the hustle and bustle, it is a time for reflection and celebration. Observances such as Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Eve (and Omisoka) provide a valuable opportunity to connect with loved ones, strengthen family bonds, reflect on traditions, express gratitude, and take a break from our routines.

This sentiment resonates not only within our local communities but also across the globe.

In this spirit, December is also a significant month associated with the concept of Human Rights.

December 29 — Carter’s Passing

The first anniversary of President Jimmy Carter’s passing at the age of 100 prompted me to reflect on human rights. One of my favorite quotes of his, which I believe is often underrated, came to mind:

“America did not invent human rights.
In a very real sense, human rights invented America.”

Consider this: the 39th president held the highest political office in the most powerful and important nation on earth for four years, yet his humanitarian work stands out as a more significant accomplishment. I can only imagine how proud St. Peter was when he welcomed Jimmy.

I leave it to others to debate whether Carter was a good president, but I am certain he was a great man, primarily because of his commitment to human rights.

December 10 — Human Rights Day

It is a meaningful, perhaps divine coincidence that Carter’s passing occurred in the same month as Human Rights Day. This day is observed every year on December 10, commemorating the date in 1948 when the UN General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This document laid out the fundamental human rights that must be universally protected.

While our world faces many significant issues, pursuing human rights remains a goal we continue to stumble toward. Imagine if the global-we could achieve even a “B” grade in human rights! History would remember our generation as one that restored a sense of global civility, reassuring us that we are collectively on the right path.

Human Rights

What are human rights? According to the Human Rights Museum in Winnipeg, “Throughout history, people have grappled with ideas about human dignity, respect, and responsibility. Today, ‘human rights’ generally refers to our rights and freedoms simply because we are human.”

Despite the centuries-long evolution of this concept, the ongoing struggle for its full realization serves as a stark reminder of the work that still lies ahead.

The principle is straightforward: All humans are born free and equal in dignity and rights. However, despite the atrocities and injustices faced throughout history, and despite the quantitative progress made, we, as a society, still fall woefully short in upholding these rights.

Human rights are intended to be universal and inalienable, meaning they apply to everyone, regardless of their status. They encompass principles of equality and fairness, acknowledging our freedom to make choices about our lives and to develop our human potential. Established to ensure a life free from fear, harassment, and discrimination, what’s not to admire about this pursuit?

December 15 — Our Bill of Rights

Human rights have deep historical roots; the ideas of rights and responsibilities have been central to societies across time.

On December 15, 1791, the young United States of America formally adopted the first 10 amendments to its Constitution, known as the Bill of Rights.

These amendments, primarily drafted by James Madison, established the foundation of our liberties and were vital for the ratification of the Constitution itself. In fewer than 500 words, these amendments articulate many of our most cherished freedoms as rights that must be protected, serving as a guideline for the government to avoid overstepping its boundaries in personal matters.

The primary objective of the Bill of Rights is to safeguard certain matters from the whims of political discourse, elevating them beyond the will of the majority and establishing them as legal precepts that the courts must uphold. This cherished document asserts that rights such as life, liberty, property, freedom of expression, freedom of the press, freedom of assembly, and freedom of religion, are sacrosanct.

In essence, Rights are not rights if they can be taken away; they are merely privileges.

I appreciate historian AE Samaan’s insights on this subject:

“The Bill of Rights is the United States.
The United States is the Bill of Rights.
Compromise the Bill of Rights
and you dissolve the very foundation
upon which the Union stands.
Nowhere in the Bill of Rights are the words
‘unless inconvenient’ to be found.”

I’m just saying …

During this most heartfelt of seasons, consider adding a prayer for the world to get right about Rights. Or at least offer devotions
for us to better head in that direction.

To steal a line from Broadway’s Hamilton, attributed to Thomas Jefferson, “Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We fought for these ideals, we shouldn’t settle for less.”

It’s still worth our complete focus. Let’s not throw away our shot.

Happy Holidays and God Bless.