Fraternity-Testvériség, 1969 (47. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1969-12-01 / 12. szám
English Section: CHRISTMAS The wise men traveled many hundreds of miles in order to pay homage to the new-born king. Following the star they entered the house and saw the child with his mother Mary and "fell down to worship him. Then opening their treasures they offered him1 gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.” After they had presented their gifts to the child Matthew remarks that "they went back to their own country.” Most likely they returned to Persia and thereafter lived again the customary pagan life worshipping the pagan gods. During the advent season we have made strenuous preparations for Christmas. The people in the United States alone have spent billions of dollars for Christmas gifts. The Vietnam war scare forced us to spend more than usual because we have the feeling of insecurity. Men had sent greetings to each other through billions of Christmas cards and still there is more hate, greed and hostlity among men, races and nations as never before in human history. On Christmas Day we expect to enjoy beautiful music, impressive pageantry, and eloquent sermons. At our home the Christmas trees will be brightly decorated with pretty tinsel trimmings and bountiful Christmas dinners will make it a happy festival. But Christ, the Saviour? Will He be present? Will He dwell in our hearts? From the gospel of John we read that at the first Christmas Christ "became flesh and he came unto his own, and his own people received him not.” At Christmas God gave his beloved Son as his most precious gift to mankind. Christ the divine child willingly left his heavenly home and came to earth in order to obediently serve his heavenly father. He humbled himself. He was born in a manger. When Pilate sentenced him to death he took up his cross and gave his blood for our redemption at calvary. He did all this "that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Christmas should be more than a day of pleasant memories, the occasion when worldly gifts are exchanged or a holiday when bountiful dinners are shared. At Christmas we should accept God’s heavenly gift, Jesus Christ as the hope of this world, the Saviour of our hearts, and the Redeemer of our souls. Rev. Arpad George, Secretary LOVE OF US When love of us called Him to see If we’d vouchsafe His company, He left His Fathers court, and came Lightly as a lambent flame, Leaping upon the hills, to be The humble King of you and me. —Richard Crashaw ^We wish you <jA joyous Chfiistwas and happiness tfi/ioagfioat the cAiew QJea/t 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. 14
