by Bishop Cosmore Pompey, Spiritual Baptist

Glory to God in the highest Peace on earth and sins forgiven

We hail the Prince of Peace as we celebrate His birth, reflecting on His reason for coming into this world. Christmas is a time of caring, sharing, giving, receiving and loving; but have we ever considered it is also a time of forgiving?

It is often said, sickness and death bring people together. Imagine us at Christmas time sharing love and caring for our friends and family, but refusing to forgive those who trespass against us. Let this Christmas be one of forgiveness, the real celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ can only be meaningful when we are at peace with ourselves and our fellowmen. Do not forget as He taught his disciples to pray He reminded them of forgiveness; “Forgive us this day as we forgive those that trespass against us.”{{more}}

For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour which is Christ the Lord. St. Luke 1:11.

It is by no coincidence we are celebrating His birth at Christmas; the announcement by the angels was accepted with such: “And suddenly there was with the angels a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace goodwill towards men.” Luke 1:13-14.

As we celebrate the birth of our blessed Lord, let us remember to say a prayer for those whose hearts are still considering their loved ones especially those who were taken away from us through tragedy. May God give their families and friends comfort as they accept that the Christ of Christmas is alive. We must also remember those whose Christmas is not with the same joy as ours, but one of deep regret at the state they have come to live with. Let this Christmas be the one that will end the stigma and discrimination of people living with HIV/AIDS and the will for all of us to help in our own way to reduce the spread of AIDS. Let him that is strong learn to bear the infirmities of the weak.

We give immortal thanks and praise to God for allowing us a peaceful and calm passage though the 2006 hurricane season, despite the early predications of a busy season; remember the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

When Jonah went to warn Nineveh about the destruction in forty days, the King caused men to repent and God saved Nineveh; thank God for answering our prayer.

With the first ever Cricket World Cup in the Caribbean, I call on all Vincentians to play their part, continue to keep the environment clean and say no to criminal activity making it safe for us and our visitors, let the warmth and tranquility of our blessed nation St Vincent and the Grenadines continue to be a home away from home.

We hope the disturbing news of a group of persons applying to work here during the Cricket World Cup engaging themselves in practices that are immoral will never be accepted on our shores as we continue to rally round the West Indies.

To all Spiritual Baptists, you can look forward to a busy 2007 as never before. We will have to carry the gospel of our Lord and redouble our effort to fight against the enemy, so we will not leave behind any unfinished tasks.

On behalf of my wife Mona, children, and the Archdiocesan Council I wish for the Government and people of St Vincent and the Grenadines and the Diaspora, a Merry Christmas and a life of peace and happiness in 2007. May God bless you.