Calvin Synod Herald, 2000 (101. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2000-11-01 / 11-12. szám
4 CALVIN SYNOD HERALD BE NOT AFRAID! Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people; for to you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased. - Luke 2:1—11,14 The shepherds were in the fields of Bethlehem and were frightened by the appearance of the heavenly host; but an angel said to them: “Be not afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people; for to you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11) The heavenly message says to the frightened shepherds: Be not afraid! Be not afraid because you have a loving Father in heaven who cares for you and sends encouragement to you: Be not afraid! Unfortunately, we live in a world where fear is well known. But the message is given: Be not afraid because you have a merciful Father, who watches over you and is with you on this earth, in this valley of tears. Here, many times, His children disregard His wishes; they harm, torture and even kill each other. But God tells us not to be afraid because we are His own and He will protect us. The angel said” “I bring you good news of a great joy.” Joy to us? We may have already forgotten how to be happy! We live with stress, suffering, need and persecution. Joy is an unknown word to us! We seek a ray of hope in our lives because we are sad, miserable, sinful and unhappy! But now, good news is sent to us! This good news is sent to us, to you and to me, and to all of God’s children so that we may find that happiness we seek. In this happiness, God’s children should recognize their heavenly Father, His many blessings poured upon us so that we may live in peace. The joy of Christmas should fill our hearts, minds and souls. The angels’ message is: “for to you a Saviour is born.” God Himself appeared in Him in human vesture. He became visible to us. He became our teacher, healer, counsellor and guide to eternity. God saved us, not with silver or gold but by the blood of His Son that all of us may belong to Him; that all of us would live in happiness and peace. The heavenly host praised God: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace...” We hear the message sent by God, so do not remain silent. Sing this doxology with the heavenly hosts; being thankful for the wonderful message and good news. In this message, the heavenly host are singing: “on earth peace...” God sent His Son, the great peacemaker, into this world, to make peace on earth, in human hearts and minds and among the nations, among all His children. Now is the time to receive this great peacemaker and you will feel that it is worthwhile to live, to work and even to struggle because there is hope. There is hope for us, for our church, for our nation and for all mankind. There is hope, there is future and there is eternity... Join in song therefore with the heavenly host: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace...” and live in the splendor of the newborn King. A most blessed and happy Christmas to you all. Francis Vitéz Bishop Emeritus Christmas Meditation (Continued from page 3) But people are not like mass produced bulbs and tapers, and cannot be replaced. Each is a unique lightbearer of God’s own making, to bring blessings throughout a lifetime of several score years. Jesus said He intended to light each of His followers when He said: “You are the light of the world. Let your light so shine before men...” The light of His gospel is necessary in a world where so many live in darkness and evil is a rampant curse denying peace and happiness, even extinguishing innocent life. Often great ideas take a long time to come to light, but God’s holy Church persistently has raised up those principles of faith which have fostered righteousness, equality and freedom. Tyrants and fools have selfishly tried to keep them hidden and to squelch their realization, but their time comes, when Christians bring to the light their evil effect on humanity. Out of the proclamation of the gospel has arisen newly informed people with freedom in their souls, bringing light into the darkness. So too the concept of eternal life surfaced early in human history, as ancient burial sites attest, with hope for new life in an everlasting divine kingdom. Atheists and pagan charlatans sought to obscure the Spirit’s revelation throughout the centuries, often killing the prophets to extinguish the light. But a new Light came, in the Incarnation, when God came to earth in human form. And in Jesus’ life and resurrection, the Mighty Lord proved that He can raise up the dead, and fulfill His promise to raise up those who believe in Him. “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” Christ was born to save - man can live again! As the single candle in a darkened church lights one candle and another, that in turn light still others until the whole church is bright with light, Christ gives us light to dispel the darkness as we pass on the light to those in darkness. When we receive the fire we are to pass it on because the good news for us is also the Good News for the world. “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father.”
