Fraternity-Testvériség, 1997 (75. évfolyam, 1-4. szám)
1997-07-01 / 3-4. szám
FRATERNITY Page 3 CHRISTMAS GREETINGS Two thousand years ago when our Lord was born, shepherds were guarding their flocks on the surrounding fields of the small town of Bethlehem. They were sturdy, simple and uneducated men. They spent most of their time under free skies on the flower pastures, and in the evening, they gathered around their campfires. Of all mortals of the world, the great revelation of the coming to the world of our Savior was proclaimed to them. Although at that time and age in the East and in the West mighty potentates - who were regarded as gods by their subjects - ruled the world with their armies and in their courts lived many a great scientist and artist. Yet not to them, but to the simple-minded shepherds was the privilege given to experience the great event that no one ever witnessed before. As the great apostle Paul later declares: “God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong.” (1 Cor. 1:27) From the Almighty’s heavenly abode, shining angels descended upon them, and they heard the message from another world beyond: “To you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11). Later, most of Christ’s disciples were also meek, simple men. In the first centuries of Christianity, the most devout messengers of the Gospel and martyrs of our faith were mostly slaves. The first settlers of America were also poor, modest people, mainly farmers, who faithfully preserved their Protestant heritage in their small, plain wooden churches. So did our emigrant PROM K E E In the quiet of the evening, God Almighty promise keeping, Came to us as lowly child, Condescended meek and mild Born of Mary virgin maiden, In a manger there she laid Him, Not in lavish splendor 'bout Him, That is due a king, around Him. Rather, stable, cattle lowing, Dark and dirty, cold foreboding. But was here that by His presence, Holy ground became its essence. Nearby, lonely shepherds watching, O'er their sheep their care imparting, Sitting in their fields by night Were startled by an angel's sight. The baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, And in a manger lies reposed." Then, suddenly, the night was filled, A multitude the sky revealed. Of heavenly host, their numbers praising, Almighty God as they were saying. Glory to God in the highest Peace on Earth with men delightest. Crescendo of angelic singing, Their praise wilt be forever ringing. Then, in a moment, they were gone. Amazed, the shepherds stood in awe. Saying then to one another "Let us all go now, my brothers. And see this thing that we have heard, Which God revealed this night occurred." "Fear not," he said, "I bring good tiding, Great joy shall be to all abiding. For unto you a child is born, Who's Christ the Savoir, Christ the Lord. To Bethlehem they hurried off, To find the child, they'd spoken of. And as they stepped within His sight, Their hearts were touched by holy light. And this shall be to you a sign, That when you seek Him, you shall find. Hungarian ancestors. They left to us a precious legacy in the numerous Reformed Churches and many benevolent institutions such as our treasured 101-year-old Hungarian Reformed Federation of America. This year again we have many reasons to be joyous at Christmas time. Therefore, let us praise the Eternal Father with thankful hearts and let us go in spirit with those shepherds of old to Bethlehem “and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” (Luke 2:15) On behalf of the Hungarian Reformed Church in America, Mr. Stephen Szabó Chief Elder, our leaders, presbyters, Ladies Guilds and church members, we wish you a blessed Christmas season. Yours in Christ, Alexander Form, Bishop The Hungarian Reformed Church in America I S E PING Their knees gave way, and, falling down, They pressed their faces into the ground. Then, as if not by their own will, Spontaneous praise their hearts did fill. And in that stall that silent night, The shepherds worshipped Jesus Christ. Now what of you, do you not sense, A burning in your heart intense. Orare you lost and know Him not, This Son of God the shepherds sought. Salvation comes through Christ alone, No other way are sins atoned. The time is now, the choice is here, You've been invited, He is near. Don't let it pass or slip away, He may not come again your way. So as the shepherds, hurry now, Seek Him while He may be found. His peace you'll find, His joy and rest, God's gift to us from Heaven blest. Zoltán Korossy
