By Rev Steven-John Bam
Cape Town - I write these words as the reality and aftermath effects of stage 6 load shedding hit home.
South Africa has just experienced a tremulous and uncertain few weeks in terms of dealing with the Phala Phala implications, devastating storms, political conferences and the daily reality of crime and corruption.
The year 2023 beckons as a new dawn while simultaneously struggling and fighting for a better way for all. In the Bible King Herod in Matthew 2 similarly brought about a time of instability, violence, murder and destruction.
The birth of the Christ child ushered in a time of hope and peace into the world. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
John 3v16 (NIV). Mother Teresa says we cannot live without hope, hope starts with God. “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9v6 (NIV) Hope in God can sustain us despite our struggles, our circumstances and our trials. “We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.”- Martin Luther King Jr.
The Bible says hope will not disappoint us nor put us to shame. Matthew 5 says a city on a hill cannot be hidden therefore let your light shine. This Christmas we are called to share the love of Christ, the hope that is in God. Let us this Christmas recognise the humanity in each other in the knowledge that we all are created in the image of God. Let us this Christmas be the roadmap that directs people to an exciting life in the Spirit and life in abundance in relationship with the risen Christ.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15v13 (NIV) With these words we wish every child, every young person, every family a blessed remembrance of the birth of the Christ child. This Christmas be the image bearers of a hope that is eternal, a living hope.
Cape Times
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