Garvey's Africa,
How does the I interpret this speech of Selassie I:
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I am very pleased to send you words of my best wishes for your happiness, progress and peace, on this blessed day for mankind,
from the capital of Great Britain, which is renowned for its hospitality. Let peace reign in your hearts, among your families, in the unity of your governments, and in your relations with other peoples of the world. There is no greater day of gratitude and joy for Christians than celebrating the birthday of Our Saviour Jesus Christ. On this day of happiness, every Christian, by meditating on [Jesus'] life and the work He accomplished for all of us, tends to forget the trials he faces and the sadness that breaks his heart. At the same time everyone is inclined to minimize the trials and sorrows of his own, his kindred, and friends and forgives those who have grieved him. Since Our childhood, Our innermost thoughts have been overwhelmed by the mysterious deep spirit of the divine infant's birth, which is not only expressive but also glorious and inscrutable. Likewise, no matter what one's reputation, whether one's accomplishment is great or humble, tiresome or fruitless, in the journey of life, the mystery of Bethlehem dominates our spirit.
With the birth of the Son of God, an unprecedented, an unrepeatable, and a long-anticipated phenomenon occurred. He was born in a stable instead of a palace, in a manger instead of a crib. The hearts of the Wise men were struck by fear and wonder due to His Majestic Humbleness. The kings prostrated themselves before Him and worshipped Him. 'Peace be to those who have good will. This became the first message.
When He sacrificed himself at Golgotha for the atonement of our sin, He prayed with His last breath for the forgiveness of those who had tortured Him saying, 'Father, forgive them for they know not what they do'. Shame on those of us who are Christians and do not follow the way of the Savior of the World, whose life was filled with kindness, humility, and martyrdom! If we lived by the laws he gave us and were worthy of being called Christian, peace would have reigned on this earth.
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Christmas Broadcast to America
This speech refers to "Jesus Christ" in a manner that would suggest a real historical person, not some kind of mythological or metaphorical entity/allegory.
So when you claim Rasta should "bun Jesus Christ" and that the idea of Jesus Christ is just a Roman myth, the context of Selassie I's speech indicates to I that Jesus Christ was an actual person and that Selassie I holds great Respect for Jesus Christ.
Haile Selassie I referred to Jesus Christ as being "born" in a manger and "sacrificing" himself at Golgotha. The context of these words would imply a person that Selassie I is talking about, not some kind of metaphysical identity or idea.
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