We need to appreciate Christ

Christmas greetings from the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Christian Council

It is with joy, faith, hope, and love that we greet you in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ who was born for us in the manger in Bethlehem.

This is what St. Paul says; “He always had the nature of God, but he did not think that by force he should try to become equal with God. Instead of this, of his own free will he gave up all he had, and took the nature of a Servant. He became like man and appeared in human likeness. He was humble and walked the path of obedience all the way to death – His death on the Cross. For this reason God raised Him to the highest place above and gave Him the name that is greater than any other name. And so, in honour of the name of Jesus all beings in heaven, on earth, and in the world below, will fall on their knees, and will openly proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.” (Phil 2:6-11).{{more}}

This then is the reason for Christmas Joy: God has humbled himself and come to meet us in taking on our human nature. His joyful coming and saving love is for all people over the world.

The year 2005 has been a year of many Natural Disasters all over the world, human conflict and war; terrorism and violence; division and discrimination; sickness and disease; abuse and destruction; moral decay and sexual permissiveness; increase in poverty and ecological erosion; and all the other ills that have turned God’s world into a hostile environment where love and peace are in short supply.

We in St. Vincent and the Grenadines have just concluded a period of intense, political campaigning for General Elections which have left us a Nation in need of healing and reconciliation. Now more than ever we need to appreciate Christ’s coming among us and his death on the cross which reconciles us to himself, thus making peace with him and with our brothers and sisters. Now more than ever we need to recognize Christ’s presence with us to give us hope in the midst of all our chaos and brokenness.

The Prophet Isaiah puts in this way, “A young woman who is pregnant will have a son and will name Him “Immanuel.” By the time he is old enough to make his own decision; people will be drinking milk and eating honey” (S. 7:14-15).

This Old Testament concept of God’s redemption reaches its fulfillment and fruition in the birth of Christ, the Saviour of the World. God, in Jesus, and through the Spirit, is with us; and all who acknowledge Him share His joy not only at Christmas, but throughout the year and indeed as we wait for Jesus’ Second Coming.

Let us therefore, as the Redeemed of Christ, people of goodwill who desire unity, allow His peace and love to rule our hearts and transform our lives so that we can help with the establishment of His Kingdom of Justice, Peace and Love in all the world, including our blessed St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all.