Where is the Peace that Jesus left with us?

Christmas Message from Archbishop Melford Pompey The Spiritual Baptist Archdiocese

GLORY TO GOD in the Highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.

This song by the heavenly hosts is certainly one of praise, celebration, and thanksgiving, accompanying the message of good tidings.

It is important, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, we remind ourselves of the countless sacrifices that he made to keep the world together. One such sacrifice is that he brought peace into the world; he was named “The Prince of Peace”(Isa 9:6). He was a true example of that peace. When Peter drew his sword and cut off the ear of the servant of the High Priest, he said, Put up thy sword, then straight away healed the servant’s ear.

On his departure from this world, he wanted us to continue in oneness. He said, “My peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you”.

On this Christmas day, I ask, where is the peace that Jesus left with us? Where is the peace when our churches continue to fight against one another, as the world does? Where is the peace when there is conflict- Syria, Gaza, Afghanistan, Israel, and the list goes on. Where is the peace in politics that destroys the church, family, and community, especially during general elections time? Where is the peace when the murder rate rises in our country? Where is the peace when we discriminate, offend, and cast in our minds evil against one another? So sweetly and timely, the writer penned, “Where is thy reign of peace and purity and love? When shall all hatred cease, as in the realms above?”

We are grateful for the angel’s message every time it is delivered, but do not lose sight of the greatest message- one of good tidings and great joy, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a saviour who is Christ the Lord”(Luke 2, 10-11).

May this Christmas remind us that we are our brother’s keeper, look out for those who are not able to enjoy as you do- have mouth but nothing to eat, body but yet without clothing, thirsty and cannot find water, sick, waiting for a visitor, or in prison, in need of the word, wounded like the thief on Jericho Road waiting for a Samaritan to pass by. May God help us to show mercy this Christmas and find that peace within our hearts to come to someone’s rescue. Jesus said, “In as much as you do it to the least of the brethren you have done it unto me.Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Thank God for keeping us safe through another hurricane season. Our prayers and support are with those who suffered, especially in Jamaica. May God be gracious to them.

Congratulations to Prime Minister, Dr Hon. Godwin Friday, and the New Democratic Party on your victory at the recent polls. May God bless you abundantly, as the Spiritual Baptist looks forward to working together with you, for the upliftment of the faith and country.

We thank the former Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, and the past Unity Labour Party Government for their immense contribution to the development of St.Vincent and the Grenadines, as well as for the vision in recognizing the Spiritual Baptist Faith, by granting a National Spiritual Baptist Holiday from May 21st, 2025.To God be the glory for a remarkable celebration. May God continue to be with you.

To all Spiritual Baptists, friends and well-wishers, we look forward to your continued support for our 75th anniversary in 2026 and our 1st anniversary of a National Holiday in May, 2026.

Our celebration will feature a major week of activities starting Saturday, 16th-Sunday, 24th May 2026, with Thursday 21st, being the grand day (National Spiritual Baptist Holiday). We hope to make it bigger and better by God’s Grace.

The Spiritual Baptist Archdiocese Academy will hold its third graduation ceremony in 2026, and other activities will be announced in January.

On behalf of our Archdiocesan Council, my wife Chermar, children Chad, Chadeen, Chad-Rei and on my personal behalf to all Spiritual Baptists, friends, and well-wishers at home and abroad, a joyous Christmas 2025 and a prosperous year 2026 of bountiful harvest.

May God bless us all.