Welcome to the Advent season! I am sure we are all busy with the seemingly endless preparation of Christmas and you all will agree with me that it is one of the most chaotic times of the year for those who are celebrating Christmas.
And why should it not be – it is the time of the year we are celebrating the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Advent season brings a time of joy, hope, happiness, and a spirit of celebration, bringing families and loved ones together. Advent season is also a time of looking forward, a time to meditate and reflect on our personal and spiritual lives.
This Advent season is not going to be the same for everyone as the world is facing a lot of challenges, from war to financial crisis, poverty, natural disasters, and deadly diseases. So many people around the world are living in miserable conditions, in fear, in trauma. Let us remember those who are sheltering and migrating to save their lives and let us not forget the families who have lost their loved ones and are going through difficult times.
The world needs healing, hope and peace. We all need peace and harmony with each other. I would like to encourage you with the word of our Lord, that this Advent season, the Emmanuel is with us, the presence of our Lord is with us. We have hope. We have the peace of Jesus Christ with us. As Jesus Christ said “Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27, NIV).
This Advent season, let us continue praying for those who are in suffering, in persecution and living in fear. Let us continue praying for world leaders, peace makers and political leaders. Let us hold each other in prayer. This Christmas, let us continue sharing the love, hope and joy of Jesus Christ in our words and deeds. Let us continue singing with the angels,
Hark! The herald angels sing
“Glory to the new-born king
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled”
Merry Christmas to you all!
Heflin