Fraternity-Testvériség, 1971 (49. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

1971-10-01 / 10-12. szám

English Section:

Peace to ttje OTorlb

During the past thirty years we have lived through the hardships of World War II and the hitter experiences of so many international crisis. During the Cuban crisis we were on the brink of war and only a spark was needed to start World War III which would bring the destruction of the nations and the extermination of humanity. The Korean war was brought to an end. Desperate efforts are being made to do the same to the Vietnam war. In the advent season we will be concerned abount a possible India-Pakistan armed confrontation. The Egyptian-Israel conflict is timed to reach its peak crisis in the Christmas and New Years seasons. The complex problems affecting our survival have become global and universal in nature. It would be most logical for us to think that our culture and civilization should give us security, peace and the blessings of the highest living standard. Instead, it brought us insecurity, misery and the fear of extermination.

Clouds of confusion and uncertainty suround us as we look toward the future. Our elderly brethren remind us about the great sufferings of the “depression” years. It brought lower living standard, unemployment, loss of property and homes to the working class; sudden and unexpected bankruptcy to the rich and the wealthy capitalist class. This was the economic aftermath of World War I. Now in the economic aftermath of World War II, we feel the effects of the “recession” which again are not limited only to the United States but have become global in nature: unemployment, money squeeze, price and wage freeze, stock market and dollar valuation csisis, a general build up of fear complex toward the

future world economy. What will the future bring to humanity? Peace or war? A further deterioration of the economy or a world-wide economic stability?

Christmas marks the coming into the world of a new magnificent force that our era so desperately needs. It was heralded by the angels: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men!”

This song was sung in the darkness of the night to symbolize the condition of the world. Despair had settled upon the hearts and homes of men. Athens with all its former glory was no longer accepted for its wisdom. Rome with all its concentrated wealth, power and luxuries was no longer famous for its virtue. The Egyptian culture and civilization had become a mere matter of history. Paganism offered no hope for humanity.

When Jesus was horn in Bethlehem, it meant that God had kept His world. The Lord had promised to visit and redeem His people. On the plains of Bethlehem the angels brought to the shepherds a wonderful message of joy: “Behold, I bring you tidings of great joy that shall be to all the people, for this day is bom to you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord, in the city of David.” God gave His most precious possession to His earthly children. Christmas means that we can count on God. We can trust Him to the limit.

In the past we have often placed our faith in men, force and material things. Now we realize that we have made a terrible mistake because it brought us confusion, uncertainty and unhappiness. In order to have peace in our hearts and confidence in the future we should put our trust in God, and in Him only. Let us honor, praise and glorify God and dedicate our lives to serve His kingdom. Then we may look into the future confidently for Christmas will bring joy, peace and love into our hearts.

Arpad George

PREVIOUS ANNOUNCEMENT

We wish to inform the members of our Federation that our quadrennial Convention will be held next year during the week of June 25th, 1972 in Ligonier, Pa.

All the necessary informations and instructions — concerning the election of the delegates, — will be forwarded to the branches in due time, in accordance with our By-Laws.

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QAie utfsli you lA joyous Chfiistmas and (lappinogg throughout the lAlew 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.

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