By DRAKE HUNTER | Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice
Why do humans care so much about justice? It’s a question worth pondering, especially during Christmas, when themes of peace, goodwill and fairness shine brightly.
In the animal kingdom, justice isn’t exactly a top priority. Some creatures eat their mates — talk about a bad date! — others abandon weaker offspring, and many simply operate on the law of survival. Thankfully, my mom — raising triplets, no less — wasn’t an animal. She didn’t leave one of us behind to focus on the others, much like a Panda does. Why do humans recoil at such behavior and demand fairness and accountability?
The Bible provides a fascinating answer that brings Jesus, the reason for the season, front and center. On Page 1 of the Bible, humans are set apart from all other creatures as the image of God — His representatives who are called to rule the world by His definition of good and evil. This foundational identity gives birth to the Bible’s view of justice: all humans are equal before God and deserve to be treated with dignity and fairness, no matter who they are. But here’s the rub: not everyone believes this, even those who often redefine good and evil to suit their purposes, acting much like animals or beasts. Sound familiar?
Without God’s standard of justice, we can quickly adopt an “eye for an eye” or “quid pro quo” mindset — a cycle that perpetuates injustice, especially toward the vulnerable. The Old Testament vividly reveals this struggle, painting a picture of humanity crying out for resolution. From Genesis to Malachi, the narrative builds toward the arrival of someone who will embody and restore true justice. Enter Jesus Christ.
Believe it or not, the Old Testament isn’t just a collection of ancient laws and stories; it’s a blueprint for redemption and restoration. Time and again, it emphasizes keeping the way of the Lord by practicing righteousness and justice. Don’t let the word “righteousness” intimidate you. It simply means “being good” or living rightly. It’s about treating others as God’s image-bearers with the dignity they deserve. Meanwhile, justice encompasses retributive actions (punishing wrongdoing) and restorative efforts (lifting up the oppressed), with restorative being the priority, never the other way around. The other way around is the world’s way, not God’s!
This thought is where charity — or, as the King James Bible puts it, “love in action” — comes into play. Living with righteousness and justice means more than avoiding harm; it calls us to actively seek out the vulnerable, speak for those who can’t speak for themselves, and work to transform systems of injustice. The Bible’s call to “rescue the disadvantaged” and “defend the widow and orphan” appears in verses like Psalm 146:7-9, Proverbs 31:8-9, and Jeremiah 22:3. This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a divine imperative.
And yet, even with these clear instructions, humanity has often fallen short. Enter Christmas — the ultimate plot twist in the story of justice. God’s loving response to our failings wasn’t condemnation but a gift: the life of Jesus. He embodies righteousness and justice perfectly, showing us not only how to live but also how to love. His birth in a humble manger reminds us that true greatness is found in serving others, especially the least among us.
Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection declare that justice and righteousness aren’t just lofty ideals but achievable through Him. By accepting His gift, we are empowered to live radically transformed lives. The first followers of Jesus understood this and set out to change the world, not through power or privilege, but by loving their neighbors as themselves. This initial moment is the essence of Christmas: God stepping into our brokenness to restore what we could not.
So, as we gather around Christmas trees, exchange gifts, and reflect on the season, let’s remember the true Reason for it all. Justice isn’t just about fairness; it’s about love in action, about living out the hope and joy that began in Bethlehem and continues in each of us. As the prophet Micah said, “God has told you, humans, what is good: to do justice, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).
Merry Christmas! May the gift of Jesus inspire us all to embrace justice and righteousness in ways that bring hope and healing to our world.
To experience more content from Pastor Drake, CLICK HERE for his engaging podcast, “Just Saying with Drake Hunter.”
Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in commentary pieces are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the management of the Rocky Mountain Voice, but even so we support the constitutional right of the author to express those opinions.