It is that time of the year when the mood is celebratory. A season of the Advent, the breaking in of the Christ of Christmas, the Man of sorrows, what a name! Bearing shame and scoffing rude, in our place condemned he stood. Taking on all our diseases, all our pains and dying in our place so that we may have life and die no more. What hope, what joy, what love, oh what peace!
Joy to the world for the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ 2,020 years ago. But oh, what a year. The impact of the pandemic on our lives has been indelible. With social distancing, isolation, when one needs all the help from others, the empty place of loved ones in the family at Christmas, is devastating and a nightmare for many. Our hearts and thoughts go out to you all, family and friends. Our prayers for the grace and comfort for all, especially those reeling under the scourge of COVID 19 in hospitals and in places of isolation. We pray for a special encounter of our suffering Lord, who has borne all our pains and diseases.
The Incarnation and birth of Christ enunciate his triumphant return in power and glory, having identified with all of human experiences and expressions, death itself and inviting humanity to bring all our pains, all our hurts at the feet of the Cross—our glorious hope. May God grant us the fortitude to create room in our hearts for Jesus Christ this Christmas. Christ is Light in darkness. He heals all our diseases and bears our pain. His advent and descent was for our exaltation.
Merry Christmas & Peace of God
Rev Dr Aiah Foday Khabenje