Special time to show the world Merry Christmas

As bells tolled, worshippers thronged churches and cathedrals decorated with twinkling lights for the midnight service to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. But depending on whether that person also made the choice to grow in wisdom (as well as knowledge), they may always be in a state of “not getting it” when it comes to the important things in life. They allow differences of opinions, unresolved guilt, wounded egos and other things to rob them of their joy. But most of us will remember 2016 as a year of change in the world: a year of surprises and uncertainty. Known for attractive illumination during Christmas and New Year, the Garo Hills too is agog with festivity.

We all have a deep longing to be satisfied therefore intuitively we go for security, for the opportunity to focus inwards for a moment, and keep the world at bay. It will make all of your gift-giving all the more worthwhile.

Regardless of tradition, about 91 percent of us celebrate Christmas but only about 47 percent will attend a Christmas service during the season.

That’s what those shepherds found, glory. He lies in a manger where animals feed, wrapped in swaddling cloths. The angels sing of glory.

Jesus taught that we can’t know God apart from Him.

Bishop Muvunyi reminded the congregation of a man in Jerusalem called Simeon and an elderly lady called Anna, who were both righteous and devout who despite the hardships believed in God’s promise. And we are all recipients of God’s generosity and kindness, of God’s fidelity and love. “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us”. Imagine the joy of waiting for something 84 years and finally seeing it in the form of baby boy.

In the spiritual realm I know some do not understand why I serve Jesus Christ and some my think I’m foolish for believing in something THEY can not see taste or smell. What will that family eat today? People on the edge. “For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the Government shall be upon His shoulder” (Isaiah 9:6). In this way, we can come closer to living by the example set for us so many years ago in Bethlehem. Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need”.

“I greatly appreciate their patriotism, devoted service and honest attachment to the country and am confident that they will continue to play their due role for peace, progress and prosperity of Pakistan with complete dedication”, he said. Here and here alone there is true hope, utter certainty.

The faithful were also urged to embrace good values of kindness and love so as to live in harmony with others and achieve prosperity for all. The same was probably said about the actions of Jesus Christ when he resorted to violence to run the con artists out of the temple. Jesus will never be co-opted to any office or power. “If his birth were like any other human birth – through the union of a human father and mother – we would question his full divinity”, wrote pastor Kevin DeYoung in a post explaining the theological significance of the teaching.

Skepticism over the virgin birth is more prevalent among Christians who do not take the Bible literally (or maybe do not consider the Bible inerrant or literally true), including some in mainline denominations. The frantic pursuit of the must-have toy, the latest gadget, the coolest new thing has frequently taken away from the peace, joy and love that Christmas should embody. What God calls for from us is not a universal answer but a simple obedience by each of us.

And when they were come to Capharnaum, they that received the didrachmas, came to Peter and said to him: Doth not your master pay the didrachma?

I know times are hard and that sometimes we want to complain about how bad life is, but I want you to know that the joy of the Lord is our strength.

That capacity is liberated when it is centred on Jesus.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given:” he is the “Prince of peace”. May the Incarnate Word transform us in love and hope.

We implore harmony for the dear people of Colombia, which seeks to embark on a new and courageous path of dialogue and reconciliation.