Calvin Synod Herald, 1972 (72. évfolyam, 8-12. szám)
1972-12-01 / 12. szám
REFORMÁTUSOK LAPJA 3 Christmas is the incarnation of Gods love for man and the world. When man turned against his creator and maker, he was doomed to eternal extinction. But God in Hus infinite mercy was determined to save man from his own sin and wickedness. It could be accomplished in only one way, Love, love that was total, unmistakable, and real. On Christmas God became man. The Great Mystery revealed himself in the form of man. The unknowable became known. The Creator became as one of His creatures. His love was manifested before heaven and earth. Yet, not without a price! The indescribable suffering of God in making a sacrifice of His love was disclosed upon the Cross. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3: 16 Christmas is not a time for festival and joy alone but more truly a time of penitence and prayer. It is a time to accept from God His sacrifice of love. For by accepting His love we become reconciled to God — no longer His enemies, but His people. On Christmas God plumbed the deepest recesses of His sold, and in the process, knew Himself to be truly God. On Christmas we gratefully acknowledge in faith that He is truly God and truly man. Let us accept the sacrifice of God’s love for us by making our lives a sacrifice of love to God and man. Christmas is the way to eternal life and love. With best wishes for a blessed Christ mast ide and a prosperous New Year, Arpad L. Beretz, Bishop íJhe jf^rin ce j-^eace The Prince of Peace, his banner spreads, His wayward folk to lead From war’s embattled hate and dreads, Its bulwarked ire and greed. O marshal us, the sons of sires Who braved the cannon’s roar, To venture all that peace requires As they dared death for war. Lead on, O Christ! That haunting song No centuries can dim, Which long ago the heavenly throng Sang over Bethlehem. Cast down our rancor, fear, and pride, Exalt goodwill again! Our worship doth thy name deride, Bring we not peace to men. Thy pardon, Lord, for war’s dark shame, Its death-strewn, bloody fields! Yet thanks to thee for souls aflame Who dared with swords and shields! O Christ, who died to give men life, Bring that victorious hour, When man shall use for peace, not strife, His valor, skill, and power. Cleanse all our hearts from our disgrace — We love not world, but clan! Make clear our eyes to see our race One family of man. Rend thou our little temple veils That cloak the truth divine, Until thy mighty word prevails, That cries, ‘All souls are mine.’ Harry Emerson Fosdick The Editorial Board of the CALVIN SYNOD HERALD - Reformátusok Lapja wishes all our readers A VERY BLESSED CHRISTMAS and NEW YEAR CHRISTMAS GREETING Christmas, 1972
