Christmas message from the New Testament Church of God

I Bring You Good Tidings of Great Joy Which Shall Be To All People!

Into a world that was dark with sins, misguided by the philosophy of a Roman regime, these beautiful and reassuring words were spoken. It was while a group of weary shepherds, camping out in the field, and keeping watch over their flock in the dead of night that this message was delivered. In the dark of the night the angel voice echoed, “Fear not: for, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people”.{{more}}

Before then, fear – that unpleasant emotion that is caused by the threat of danger; pain or harm had been a constant companion of the people of the land. A sense of hopelessness and doom had hung over the world like a thick cloud, penetrating the homes and hearts of everyone. This feeling of hopelessness and bewilderment was suddenly shattered by the message of the angel… “Fear not!”

Crossing the Sea of Galilee on a cold, dark night, the disciples of Jesus encountered a storm that made rowing difficult. In the middle of their situation Jesus appeared and uttered the words “Don’t be afraid – I am here”. (John 6:20 NLT).

Coming out of a political campaign and subsequent election process that has left out country more deeply divided down partisan political lines and colour, and our people more “afraid” than ever, you may be confused and bewildered as to which way to turn. The “politics” that has found us and left us, including ministers of the religion camping out in political camps, while our members wandered from political meetings to political meetings, has greatly eroded your trust and confidence in the gospel we preach and the doctrine we teach. Like the disciple on the Sea of Galilee, maybe you are desperately trying to save your ship and your own lives by your own physical abilities. Maybe you are afraid.

Like the shepherds on the Galilean hillside on that dark, cold night so many years ago, maybe you are wondering what is going to happen tomorrow. But hear the message of the angel again… “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people”. The “good tidings of great joy” is to all people… including us in St Vincent and the Grenadines. Hear the words of Jesus again as he spoke to those disciples on the Galilean sea, “Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.” Allow the peace of God to enter your ship.

In Isaiah (41:10) the prophet told us … “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am your God: I will strengthen you; yea, I will help you; yea, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness”. In John 14:27 Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

As you celebrate this Christmas season, coming as it is on the heels of a noisy and stormy election campaign, I offer you … “the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, that has the ability to keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus!

Have a very Blessed Christmas.