Merry Christmas to all, Christmas greetings!

by Rev Harvey G W Caine

Pastor of the Barrouallie Wesleyan Holiness Church

ISAIAH 7:14

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.{{more}}

God uses His supernatural power to give us evidence that He and He alone, can do amazing things.

This foretold virgin birth is only possible by God. It is important that Jesus is called-Immanuel, which means ‘God with us’ Jesus is unique. He is the Son of God. Matthew 3:17.

Jewish scholars agreed that Jesus would come from the descendants of King David Isaiah 11:1-2 and be born in Bethlehem.

And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem, David’s ancient home. He travelled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him Mary and while there, the time came for her baby to be born. Luke 2:3-6.

This is why the Angels sang at His birth. Glory to God in the Highest! And Peace on earth, good will toward men. Luke 2:14

During the Christmas Season, people often spend more time with family than any other time of the year. And let’s face it, sometimes family members can challenge our love and walk more than any other person in our lives.

This year, let’s make sure that we guard the atmosphere of peace during family gatherings and that your good intentions to help others won’t open the door to offense either. For example, when you see someone doing something differently from the way they should do it, what do you do? Do you try to ‘help’ them by offering your advice? Do you try to correct others when you know of a better way or disagree with their methods?

Most people already know their areas of weakness. They don’t really need to have someone point out their shortcomings or ‘fix’ them. If you think about it, when you set out to ‘fix’ someone, what you’re really saying is, you’re not good enough the way you are. But that’s not what people need. What people need is to know that they are loved unconditionally. They need to know they are approved and accepted even when they may miss the mark.

People want to know that they can count on your love and support, no matter what happens. We’re all guilty of trying to fix, teach or correct someone else. My aunt Lilius said to me as a child: “If I could open up your head and pour my knowledge into it, I would.”

But she couldn’t, and neither can I for my children or anyone else and neither can you! Our job on this earth is not to fix everyone, but to love and support them and pray for God’s Grace to help them grow.

I encourage you to evaluate how you approach your relationships with family and friends. Begin by acknowledging the good you see in others. Tell them how proud you are of them and how they bring joy to your heart.

Use your words to strengthen others and deposit life into them. Give people room to grow and serve up love this Christmas season! 1Peter 4:8.

I wish a blessed Christmas to the Government and people of St Vincent and the Grenadines and a safe and peaceful 2016.

Let me extend a heartfelt “thank you” for the love and support of the following during this year:

To my co-workers and the Board at the St Vincent and the Grenadines Port Authority; I am thankful to be working with you all, and as a new year approaches, I wish each of you Jesus, the true reason for this season!

To the Wesleyan Holiness Churches, St Vincent District Board, all pastors and church workers, members and friends, may God continue to strengthen this body for the task. The signs are everywhere.

To my family, relatives and friends, the members of my local church – the Barrouallie Wesleyan Holiness Church, you to have brought happiness into my life during my darkest hours, I am honoured to be your family and your friend, and as a new year approaches, I wish each of you love, peace, good health, and more so, happiness.

I love you all. I am praying that people everywhere will come to worship Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour this Christmas.

May Angels watch over us!

Stay safe this Christmas. Remember SAFETY FIRST and have a healthy Christmas.

God bless you!