Time for a reflection on the celebration of Christmas

From the Rt. Rev. Melford Pompey

Archbishop of the Spiritual Baptist Archdiocese of St Vincent and the Grenadines

Everybody likes to take a holiday
Everybody likes to take a rest
Spending time together with your family
Sharing lots of love and happiness

The above caption verse that I own no rights to, calls for reflection on the celebration of Christmas.

The arrival of the coronavirus (Covid-19) earlier this year has seen lots of changes from following the protocols outlined by the Authorities to the time we spend together with family and friends. Some borders remain closed and terminal buildings almost everywhere takes on a different atmosphere.

God is calling the world to accept his Son for who he really is, Saviour, Prince of Peace, wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God Isaiah 9:6. It is not just about spending time together with friends and family, but also spending time with God.

From the angel’s message to Mary to the announcement of Christ’s birth, it was clear that he deserves the celebration of praise and adoration.

While Mary considered herself the hand-maid of the Lord and gave reasons for her to be called “Blessed”, yet no room at the Inn could be found to celebrate the birth of Baby Jesus.

“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:7, but thank God this did not prevent the angels and the heavenly host from sharing in the celebration.

Glory to God in the highest and on earth, peace goodwill to men. St. Luke 2:14
Do not allow any situation that may arise deter you from responding to the call of God and celebrate his presence.

Mary responded “Behold the handmaid of the Lord be it unto me according to thy word” St. Luke 1;

For Samuel, it was, “Speak Lord thy servant heareth.” 1 Samuel 3;

Isiah answered the call, “Hear I am send me.” Isaiah 6;

Saul asked, “what wilt thou have me to do?” Act 9;

Ananias responded, Behold, I am here Lord Acts 9;

And Moses answered “Here I am” Exodus 3

Let this Christmas allow us to respond favourable, hear what God is saying to us in this Covid-19 pandemic as millions continue to be affected around the world and even though millions have recovered, millions have also lost their lives.

Be the voice for the voiceless, the eye for the blind, the ear for the deaf, the feet for the crippled and the Good Samaritan for the wounded. Be like Jesus who was not afraid to overturn the tables of the money exchangers and call out the hypocrites when they appeared before him. Let the children be taken care of and stop suffering at the hands of grown men, sometimes their own.

Let women remain virtuous and suffer no more at the hands of our men.

One murder is one too many. It is time to reclaim the sense of reasoning and have differences settles peacefully.

It is time for hard-working and retired citizens to relax in peace from those who are reaping where they have not sown.

As a church we must work together to defeat the forces of evil and not use religion to build partition. The time is now to realize we are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the Saints and of the household of God. Eph. 2:19

To all Spiritual Baptists, do not lose focus on the goal you set about to achieve; this year must not be seen as an obstacle; for the year 2021, do not allow failure to overcome success, be stronger than ever and be the beacon to those who look up to you. I can assure you that with God’s help, we will rise and be lifted above our darkest hour.

As the year draws to a close, may Almighty God bless us all and with thanksgiving show our appreciation for his grace and his mercy.

On behalf of the hard-working Council our Matriarch, the Eminent Lady and on my personal behalf, l wish all Spiritual Baptist, friends and well-wishers at home and abroad a joyous Christmas and a new year of prosperity. What e’er the future brings, glorify thy name and our faith will see us through.

May God bless us all.