Sing de chorus, clap yuh han’! Beat de congo, play de pan. Spread de news throughout de land, That Jesus is born. Jesus, de Saviour is born! Can you hear the rhythm and sound of the instruments as the song echoes and reverberate across the room? Still, hands and bodies instinctively commence moving to the beat. It is not the music but the depth of the lyrical content conveyed in the message “ Jesus, de Saviour is born.” The text from Isaiah 9:6 says: For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders, and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. This season’s true meaning and message are that God came into our space and executed a rescue mission to deliver us from ourselves; our foolish ways, our attitudes, and our actions because we were en-route to self-destruct. This amazing God called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Friends, the message of Christmas remains constant. It will never change. We must not forget that the Saviour of the world came into a broken and divided world. We exist in a similar situation; not much has changed, perhaps to a greater degree of intensity but still a world of turmoil. We are in a global crisis of epic proportions grappling with issues related to social justice, economic survival, gender-related controversies, identity, discrimination, poverty, and violence. For many of us, the situation has been challenging and overwhelming, with mental and emotional manifestations resulting in suicide and short tempers, have increased. From the pulpit to the pew, we need the story of the Christ-child to renew and restore our spaces. Do you know the story? Have you ever heard the story? We listen again: Do you know de story? How di king of glory Came to earth a baby born in a manger? But de worl’ dem did not know That was God on earth below And treat the Son of God on earth like a stranger. The struggles are real, but we do not have to bear these burdens alone. Jesus the Saviour has entered into our spaces, and his arms are opened wide to embrace and lovingly wrap us in his warm embrace. For some, Christmas brings pain as we remember the loved ones we lost, and the loneliness is unbearable. However, I commend us to Christ, who brought JOY, HOPE and PEACE, and LOVE to humanity. It seems unbelievable that the year 2022 is already becoming a past and fleeting shadow before we have even had the opportunity to reflect upon each day. The Covid 19 Pandemic had us in a tailspin or handled us pretty much like a tornado as it swirled the entire universe and left much grief, pain, turmoil, and death in its wake. For some of the pain has been personal. Yet even as we celebrate the Nativity of our Lord let us remember that for some this time of year is not filled with happiness and laughter. I urge you to intentionally make the time to share your time and talent with someone. Give to someone who may not be able to reciprocate in return. May you be that forerunner that will bring tidings of great joy to a world that so badly needs a smile and laughter. You and I can be the messenger of God’s amazing grace, through our actions and words, to persons who need to hear again Emmanuel – God is with us. God has not abandoned us, we are not alone! My thanks to each person for your faithfulness and your continued support as you labour in the vineyard in your Master’s service. A blessed Christmas and God’s continued presence for the coming year on behalf of myself and Rev’d Dr. Wayneford McFarlane, our standing committee secretaries, and sub-secretaries. Yours in Christ, Christine M. Gooden Benguche (Rev’d) District President MCCA – Jamaica District |
Lively.
The lyrical contents are persuasive. One cannot help but emerce in the Flow. The explanation is enlightening.