Fraternity-Testvériség, 1974 (52. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1974-10-01 / 10-12. szám
English Section: BISHOP ÁRPÁD L. BERETZ: MERRY CHRISTMAS LIGHT IN DARKNESS The moon-bound astronauts beholding the bluish-green color of earth as it glows in the darkness of space, speak of that unforgettable sight in terms of awe and reverence. In a moment of divine-like revelation the phenomena of Light and Darkness is grasped in it’s uncompromising reality. The magnitude of the words of scripture penetrate the marrow: “And the light shineth in darkness: and the darkness comprehended it not” —John 1:5. After the fall of Adam, man lost the divine light and lived in abject darkness. Even though, as Calvin puts it, “sparkling hits of light keep darting out of the deep and heavy darkness of the human mind”. But the darkness did not comprehend the remnants of that light left in man. In a time of historical and cosmic fulfillment, God in His infinite mercy, reveals the true light. Christ is the true light. There is no other like him. The sun, the stars, the heavens and the earth merely reflect the glory of God’s creative power. But Christ, himself, is the light. Man cannot banish darkness, nor apprehend the light with mind and reason alone. Only by faith can the light be comprehended. Now, by the miracle of the Incarnation, man can grasp the true light: Christ. He was always the light, even before the world was caUed forth, but now He was made manifest to all men. For the astronauts, that glimpse of eternal light was as a new Bethlehem on Christmas morn. Today, the words of the Christmas gospel burn deep into our consciousness as we by faith welcome the Bethlehem Babe: “In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” —John 1:4-5. May God give each of you a blessed Christmas- tide in His everlasting love and mercy. Blessings and Peace! Merry Christmas to you, the young and the gay, God guard you and guide you in His perfect way! Merry Christmas to you, the lonely and sad, Remember Christ came to make all people glad. Merry Christmas to you, the ones we hold dear, God bless you and keep you and stay very near! Merry Christmas to you, our neighbors and friends, As wider and wider this circle extends. Merry Christmas to you, the stranger within, May true understanding and friendship begin! Merry Christmas to you! Merry Christmas tonight, And deep in each heart may the Star still shine bright! Merry Christmas to you, everyone everywhere, Peace on earth and good will — this be our prayer. LET US KEEP CHRISTMAS Whatever else be lost among the years, Let us keep Christmas still a shining thing Whatever doubts assail us, or what fears, Let us hold close one day, remembering Its poignant meaning for the hearts of men Let us get back our childlike faith again. THE HUNGARIAN REFORMED FEDERATION OF AMERICA wishes you a blessed Christmas and a happy, peaceful Neiv Year. 16
