Magyar Egyház, 1973 (52. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1973-12-01 / 12. szám
8 MAGYAR EGYHÁZ holiday of those, who desire to escape from the darkness of sin to light, out of the jails of sin to freedom in Christ. I believe that, the grace of God, that brought us salvation is not only for the minister and those few faithful in the church, but for all people. Salvation is for all the world. This Grace of God revealed in Christ is not only for those with whom you want to share it, but for those too, to whom you feel it does not belong. Let us tell everyone of this gracious gift that it is for them also. The Grace of God appeared, therefore be joyful, do not feel that you who read these few lines in your home are left alone. Christ who was born on Christmas day is with YOU. Be happy my dear old friend, and don’t even think, that this may be your last Christmas, because Christ is with you, and He is alive. Be happy, you who are sick, because the grace of God in Christ Jesus can make you well. The Grace of God appeared, that every heart might be rich through Him, that those last in the dark roads of life may find their way home, that those who are troubled may find the answer to their question in Jesus. The Grace of God appeared, therefore you are not sentenced to death, but can become a child of freedom, if you accept God’s gift — Jesus. You have a FATHER, you have a HOME, the Heaven is waiting for you. The Grace of God appeared — but it wants to do something more than just appear — it wants to influence you. It wants to fill your heart with bravery and truth. It calls you to action. It gives you strength. Christmas is always a decision, decision on Christ’s side. Look at the shepherds, they loved their flock, but left them and went. Look at the wise men, they traveled long, long roads, that they may worship the king. We too, must deny many things, which may be very near to us, but always remember what Jesus said — Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and all these shall be addd unto you. The Grace of God appeared, the Savior Jesus is Ours, the child was given unto us. Be ye therefore happy on this Christmas Day and go and kneel before Him in your churches and sing the glorious song with your whole heart — Glory to God on the Highest, Peace on Earth good will toward men. And say, 0 My God, My Savior, what can I give Thee, I give you my heart. Stefan Torok DR. CHARLES VINCZE December 22, 1973, is the 75th anniversary of the birth of the Rev. Dr. Charles Vincze, an outstanding son of the Reformed Church of Hungary. In a relatively brief life of but fifty-five years he achieved much in the development and strengthening of our church and cultural life. A son of the soil, he was born in the village of Doge in Szabolcs County. From his Calvinist parents he learned that life is a gift of God and that the service of God is the duty and responsibility of the believer. Always an outstanding student, he graduated from Sárospatak Seminary with high honors and came to America to the cradle of New World seminaries, Princeton, in 1922. He subsequently received the degree of Doctor of Theology from Debrecen. Knowin throughout America as a scholarly individual, he combined his love of learning with a deep devotion to the local and worldwide fellowship of believers. After a brief pastorate in Carteret, New Jersey, he became pastor of the Perth Amboy congregation in 1928 and served there to the end of his life. He saw the local congregation as a primary instrument of mission. His congregation was made up of Christians who believed, with him, in the strict Calvinism of the past, the faith that made possible the survival of our mother church in spite of centuries of ruthless persecution and oppression. Little wonder that this congregation was known throughout New Jersey as a fellowship of dedicated Christians. He served the Hungarian Reformed denomination at a time of strife. His facile pen quickly cut through untenable positions and when he spoke, people listened. His preaching was based on the careful exposition of the Word. I have and use his wellmarked book of prayers. His deep love of nature is evident in the selections he used and in the magnificent prayers he wrote for special occasions. At the time of his death on January 31, 1954, he was arch-dean of the Hungarian Reformed Church in America. The many successes that he earned never separted him from a deep love for the land of his childhood and the village of Doge where his pilgrimage began. His passing marked the end of an era in Hungarian-American life. He will be remembered. As ^ servant of Christ, he did his utmost to serve his beloved people in a new land. The words of Hebrews 11:4 offer a wonderful insight: “By faith he still speaks, even though he is dead.” Charles A. Darocy
