Fraternity-Testvériség, 1970 (48. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

1970-10-01 / 10-12. szám

English Section:

THE PRINCE OF PEACE

Mankind has advanced from the eaves to the skyscrapers, from the camel caravan to the caravelle jet, from the spear and sword to the atomic age and the rocket era. What humanity has built throughout the past centuries we can now destroy in twenty-four hours. The discoveries made in technology during the past 100 years far excell all the achievements of the previous 10,000 years. Modern man has become so proud of his progress that he forgets that he is the crown of creation but not the Creator.

Since the end of World War II we lived through the Korean War. At present we are still involved in the Vietnam conflict. We fear that in the near future the Arab-Israel confrontation might offer the spark for World War III.

The light of hope shines brightest when the gloom is deepest and darkest. At Christmas the angels heralded God’s message to humanity: “Be not afraid; for behold I bring you good news of a great joy.” Into a world of sorrow, hunger and hate the Son of God brought love, peace and good-will. In 1970 Christmas brings us the. good news of “Immanuel . . . God is with us.”

Since the birth of Jesus the story of Christmas has become the most loved and best known story in the world. It is simple yet thrillingly narrated by the Gospel writers in the Bible. The strange bright star appearing in the East, the Wise Men following its course and bringing their gifts, the shepherds watching their flock and tiie angel chorus bringing the good news to mankind still grip our imagination, thrill our hearts and inspire our spirits. It was the greatest event since the creation of the world. It was the birthday of the Son of God in human form.

Before Christmas despair had settled in the hearts and in the homes of men. Paganism had extinguished the light of hope. Into this world the angels announced the wonderful message: “Behold, I bring you good news of a great joy. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.”

This is good news. It was light in the darkness. It is good news to us now also. As fear, hostility and despair had overcome humankind, darkness again covers the earth. Into our fear-stricken, self-loving, hate-maddened and sin-polluted world the Son of God brings the commendable spiritual qualities of true love, lasting peace and genuine good-will.

At Christmas we should accept God’s heavenly gift, Jesus Christ as the Prince of Peace, as the Light and Hope of the world, the Savior of our souls and the Redeemer of our spirits. Give honor, praise and glory to God for at Chi stmas His Son brings joy and peace to tbe world.

Rev. A rpad George, Secretary

5

Red of holly, swirl of snow Scurry of passing feet,

Jumble of people high and low — This is the Christmas street.

White man, black man, bishop, Jew Christ was born for all of you.

Cherished children, a hungry tot,

Sad little face and eye;

Chinaman, Negro, polyglot,

Tramp and tramping by.

Rich man, poor man, beggar man, too Christ has died for all of you!

Santa Claus and mistletoe,

Newsboy, fakir, cheat;

Drab and virgin, on they go —

This is the Christmas street.

Pass and pass, O motley crew — Christ, He lives in all of you!

^Wle wish you lA joyous Christmas cmd iiappiuogg throughout the cAlew Qjeait

REV. ARPAD GEORGE Secretary

PAUL ST. MIKLOSSY Treasurer

DR. ZOLTÁN BEKY President

LÁSZLÓ L. ESZENYI Controller

OF THE

HUNGARIAN REFORMED FEDERATION OF AMERICA

WASHINGTON, D. C.