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“And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory…”
John 1:14
We can easily see in this verse the loving, giving heart of the Father in that he gave his only begotten Son to set the example of giving, and it was carried on through the life of Christ while he lived on earth. This is the season of giving and this spirit of giving originated with the Father and radiated through the Son. In turn, Jesus commands us to do the same in John 13:34: “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.”
This love is not based on feelings or emotions. He is talking about the kind of love he had when he prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane : “…not my will, but yours be done.” Each of us should reach out in love regardless of what we feel like at any given moment. This is the kind of love that will visit a nursing home and hold the hand of one who is discouraged. This is the kind of love that will cry with another who cries, and rejoice with another who rejoices. This is the kind of love that will look beyond faults and see the need.
During this season of Christmas, we witness the mystery of rebirth in the waters of Baptism and rejoice as new ones are embraced by the community of faith. As bread is broken and wine is poured in the Eucharist, we give thanks for Christ in our midst.
As we gather for the celebration of our Lord's Nativity, let us listen to the sounds of discord throughout the world. From the division caused by wars and threats of wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Sudan, Somalia, Congo, and Ivory Coast, to the struggle for survival in Dafur, Ethiopia, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. From the dread of rampant disease and the spread of HIV and AIDS, to the broken relationships in homes and hostilities within communities and countries, we seek rescue. We yearn for the gracious healing and reconciling Word of the Prince of Peace.
Listen to the angel's message: “Do not be afraid.” This is a message of courage. At this wonderful time of year, I encourage you to reach out in love and minister to one another and share the message of hope. In doing so, we join the grand anthem:
Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her king…
I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!
The Reverend Johannes George
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