Fraternity-Testvériség, 2003 (81. évfolyam, 1-4. szám)
2003-10-01 / 4. szám
Page 5 FRATERNITY CHRISTMAS LETTER 2003 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased. ” (Luke 2:14) The crying need of our world has always been for peace among peoples and nations. Our own day and age is no exception because everywhere we look there seems to be hatred, conflict, and war. Since the terrible events of that fateful day in September 2001, an uneasy feeling has crept into our mind and heart that we are not as secure in the safety of our homeland as we thought. In spite of our technological advances that provide a measure of comfort and ease, there is no humanly devised cure for the war within man’s heart, mind, and soul. All that is of evil intent and origin manifests itself in ways and means that bring misery, death, and destruction upon mankind. In contrast, those who keep faith and covenant with God are blessed with the assurance of His loving mercy and grace. Part and parcel of God’s blessing is the peace given to us in the Lord Jesus Christ. This is evident in the angelic announcement of His birth that God is first glorified in sending His son as Savior of lost mankind and, secondly, that He bestows peace upon those who live in a faithful relationship with Him. It is also verified in the Book of Isaiah that among the many attributes of the coming Messiah is that He is called the Prince of Peace. As we —2/3 take a close look at the divine nature and character of our beloved Savior, we see Him living, teaching, and advocating a peaceful way of life for His followers. “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” (John 14:27) The annals of Christian history prove the effectiveness of Jesus’ teaching and modeling peace among His followers. “Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me,” is the title of a currently popular hymn. No doubt the author is familiar with the many New Testament passages that advocate the practice of peace. The thought behind the title is the logical conclusion to the fact that the followers of Jesus must themselves be peaceful in temperment, word, and deed. It is the only way that we can coexist in our church fellowship, an essential attraction by which others are drawn to Christ, add the proof of our faith, hope, and trust in God toward a jaded world lost in its sins. As we celebrate the birth of Christ, let us live in peace with all men and especially with those who themselves practice the same. Have a blessed and peaceful Christmas. Louis Medgyesi, Bishop —2/3 —S)y2) if- ■—-QyO HOLIDAY GREETINGS FROM THE BETHLEN HOME Dear Supporters and Friends of the Bethlen Home, It is a privilege for me to greet you in the name of our Lord as we enter this wonderful Advent - Christmas season! During the weeks ahead, two beautiful sounds will be heard, emanating from the hillsides surrounding the Bethlen Home. The first of these sounds will be the rumble of earth-moving equipment, as the long-awaited construction of the new nursing home begins. Finally, by the Grace of Almighty God, and through the generous support of so many Friends, financing, at a level adequate for beginning the project, is in place. By the time this letter is in your hands, site work will be underway, with the dedication of the new nursing home scheduled to take place in September of 2004, during the Quadrennial Convention of the Hungarian Reformed Federation of America. All going well, the residents of Bethlen Home will occupy the new facility early in 2005. A BETHLEN OTTHON ÜNNEPI KÖSZÖNTÉSE Kedves Barátaink és Támogatóink! Nagy kiváltság számomra, hogy Otthonunk köszöntését tolmácsolhatom ez áldott adventi és karácsonyi id szak kezdetén. Az el ttünk lév hetekben két örvendetes hang veri fel az Otthont környez domboldal csendjét. Az egyik a foldtúró gépek zaja, amely az építkezés rég várt kezdetét jelenti. Isten kegyelméb 1 és az adakozók támogatásából együtt van az összeg, amely szükséges a talajt el készít munkálatokra. Ez ünnepi köszöntés érkezésekor a munka már megkezd dött. Az építkezés befejezésének tervezett id pontja, az új Otthon felszentelésének remélt dátuma 2004 szeptembere, az Amerikai Magyar Református Egyesület konvenciója. Ha minden jól megy, az új épület használatba vétele 2005 elején kezdetét veheti. A másik hang, amit a domboldal visszaver, az, ami el szőr Júdea mezején hangzott: Az angyalok kórusa: TDics ség a magasságos mennyekben az Istennek, és a
