Calvin Synod Herald, 1990 (90. évfolyam, 2-6. szám)
1990-11-01 / 6. szám
CALVIN SYNOD HERALD — 4 -REFORMÁTUSOK LAPJA “We are too busy — come back later!” “And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn." (Luke 2:7) “...and lo, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came to rest over the place where the young child was.” (Matthew 2:9b) Life was going on as usual. Thirtytwo thousand red and yellow roses were ordered by the court for the parade float. The 300 new dancing girls, freshly hired, greatly enhanced preparations for the extravagant, splendorous half-time show of the game of the season. Preparation, busyness, glitter and grandeur filled the air. Naturally, for people are not impressed by half-measures. Of course all these cost a great deal. Though Caesar found a creative solution: “Enrollment”; this would close any loophole for anyone trying to avoid paying taxes. In the midst of this pomp, magnificent decoration and blindingly blinking myriads of light, how could anybody notice that star above, or that unassuming procession of a young, pregnant wpman on a donkey coming into Bethlehem? Rich taxpayers and important guests filled up the rooms. A couple of simple means, and no tips to offer, was quickly brushed aside by the busy innkeeper. Upon seeing the pregnant woman, he relented and let them stay under the shed with the livestock at the back of the courtyard. In this way they were out of sight, and couldn’t embarras the eminent guests. There was no room in his inn for “nobodies” like them. Who could imagine that in the midst of all of this, God was breaking into human history to save His lost creation with robust simplicity. He was coming to His own, but His own were too busy to notice the star, or to find a room for Him. The palace, the central heating, the mounted guards and the busy money-making enterprises were all far, far away. He was coming for you and me on a haystack, among livestock and only rugged, simple, hard-working shepherds had time to hear the angel voices and herald His coming. Only three wisemen of the East were wise enough to notice the star. The complacent were much too busy with their own lives. The well-established could not find a room for Him. Only those in need could hear or see and were willing to take the time. Yet He did come to and for His own! Yet the star was there, shining and guiding. It even stopped above that meager stable. God was working his saving purpose out. The preoccupied innkeeper was put out by the visit of the smelly shepherds, yet became curious as he unintentionally noticed the three strangers from the East. Then the sweet smell of incense and the glitter of the gold really spellbound his attention. Though he didn’t go in. Instead he made arrangements with two of his servants to help to lighten the burdens of the couple by relieving them of their unnecessary packages. His plot was successful, for due to some strange news, the couple packed hastily, bundled up their child and rushed off toward Egypt. Though they thanked him hurriedly, yet did not mention at all any missing gifts. As they departed, the worldly riches stayed at the inn, but the star moved on, staying above the couple with the child and guiding them by His light. Our lives today are just as busy and just as full. Amongst mesmerizing half-time shows, beautifully displayed decorations and blinking lights can we possibly notice the simple, unassuming star above? Or are we too impressed with incense and gold, not even seeing the babe in the shadow. Is there a room for Him in our busy inn, or is it already filled with other “more important” guests? Are we so busy, that He is told or even wished, to come back later? The star is shining above Him, you just have to look up! He is crying for room, but you have to let Him in! I hope and pray, that at this Christmas of 1990, you may all notice the star above, and will find room for Him! Grabbing for the gold will give you earthly riches, but I pray that instead you will find room for Him, so that the star will shine above you! This is what I wish all of you for this Christmas of 1990, with love Zoltán D. Szucs Your Bishop LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT There is a possibility that in the next few weeks the United States may go to war with Iraq. This danger is particularly strong with Congress is out of session. This is the first global crisis of the post- Cold War world. The United Nations was originally created in large part to handle such conflicts with the presupposition that the U.S. and the USSR could work together with other nations in the Security Council. Because of the Cold War, this basic design of the United Nations has not been fairly tested. Now is the time for such a test. The United Church of Christ has declared itself a Just Peace Church. We have declared that a Just Peace is the interrelation of justice, friendship, and common security from violence. If the U.S. attacks Iraq unilaterally in the next few weeks, it is hard to see how this could be seen as either just, friendly, or as common security from violence. We are calling on you to do two things. First, to continue to press in the national media for a multinational, non-violent resolution, we urge you to join with us in an ad in The Washington Post. The message would be simple: Mr. President, do not go to war with Iraq. We as clergy of the United Church of Christ call on you to work through The United Nations and with other nations for a just and peaceful resolution of this crisis. This is a critical moment in our history. We feel the God of history calling us to act, to help give shape to this moment. We urge you to do what you can. Sincerely yours, Rev. Dr. Paul Sherry United Church of Christ President P.S. This timely letter is based on the eternal Christian Principle: War is immoral, unless it is the very last possible resort for self-defense of the Nation. (Ed.)
