Peace on Earth, goodwill towards men
23.DEC.09
CHRISTMAS MESSAGE New Testament CHURCH OF GOD
PRECIOUS GREETINGS on behalf of the Clergy and Laity of the New Testament Church of God in the State of St. Vincent & the Grenadines and St. Lucia. In preparation for the first advent of Jesus Christ, Dr. Luke wrote:
âThe Angel answered and said unto her – The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee the Power of the Highest shall overshadow thee that Holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God!â Luke 1:35{{more}}
The Prophet, Micah, preceded Dr. Luke with prophecy:
âBut thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall He come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlastingâ. Micah 5:2
Letâs focus for a moment on two phrases – âthe Son of Godâ and âfrom of old, from everlastingâ.
The Son of God – refers to Christâs first advent, or; His coming to this world to save the human race. From of old from everlasting – Includes Christâs second advent, or His coming to set up His millennial reign, when the peace we so long for will be re-established.
The spirit of the season we spend so much for and obtain so little should be developed on the foundations of the Angelic chorus – âPeace on Earth, Good Will Toward Menâ Luke 2:14. Manâs peace of mind has been endangered by âGreed for Powerâ, âSelfish Prideâ, âBroken Promisesâ, âEnviable Pollutionâ, âEconomic Chaosâ, and âInternational Distressâ. As it were, manâs hopelessness stems from the lack of the fear of God before manâs eyes.
âWe have confidence toward Godâ, 1 John 3:21
âCast not away…your confidenceâ, Hebrews 10:35
In the midst of such calamity, Christ reaches down in love to humankind: âPeace I leave with you, my peace I give you.â John 14:27
It is a gift from God to be received by man, especially at Christmas.
The road to reconciliation leads through forgiveness. First, forgive yourself then forgive others. In so doing, the peace of God which passeth all understanding shall keep your heart and mind through Christ Jesus.
May you and yours be blessed with the gift of peace this Season and throughout the New Year.
Benjamin A.A Samuel
Administrative Bishop
SVG. & St. Lucia
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