Dear Friends,
Christian greetings and
peace to you! As I write this piece I am reminded about the passing
of Former President Nelson R. Mandela. We will all agree that he has
proved to be an icon and legend in South Africa and to the rest of
the world. He is known for his ability to love, forgive and reconcile
all people. This is powerfully captured in his efforts to foster
peace and reconciliation in South Africa which averted what could
have possibly been a bloody revolution. In spite of his 27 years in
prison what we have seen in his release was nothing but humility,
love and a genuinely forgiving spirit. Indeed, he has both shown and
taught us that it is possible to put aside one’s own interests and
to work towards the interest of others. It is possible to love,
forgive and be reconciled again!
As we celebrate this time of advent
and Christmas, we are reminded that the world was waiting for a
Messiah who would come and save the world from sin and condemnation.
The birth of Jesus Christ tells us that Jesus took on his shoulders
the salvation of the world and through his death and resurrection he
reconciled us to God, the Father, and to one another. The prophet
Isaiah captures this well for us in chapter 9: 6-7: “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 Counsellor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his
government and peace there will be no end…”
Christmas is a time
to celebrate because God sent his only begotten son into the world
not to condemn the world but to save it (John 3: 16-19). Christmas
then is a time to celebrate, to give thanks and to appreciate the
gift of the Christ- child given to the world. Christmas is also a
time to love, forgive and to seek reconciliation. Is there anyone
that you are struggling to love, forgive or to be reconciled with?
Perhaps your hurt, pain or pride or stubborn spirit is preventing you
from finding that sense of peace and restoration. You are probably
saying: "Never will I say sorry or forgive..." Well I often
think what if Jesus had said the same. What if he said: “Those
people just simply don't deserve it? Why should I give up my throne
and security for them?” Indeed his love for us is why he came to
earth, to reconcile us to God is why he gave up his own life, and to
give us the gift of eternal life and the forgiveness of sins is why
he rose again. Thank you Jesus!
Nelson Mandela must have known the
love and life of Jesus for; somehow, he exemplified this in his own
life and living. He was a committed Christian belonging to the
Methodist Church even though he did not necessarily openly confess
his faith in public. He attempted as President of South Africa to
make all people and faiths feel welcomed and embraced. His ability to
forgive, love, reconcile and exercise grace is nothing short of
divine intervention and empowerment. I’m sure you will agree!
As
we celebrate this Christmas let us focus on love, forgiveness,
reconciliation and peace. This is a message the world needs today as
we think about wars, civil conflicts, nuclear threats, violence,
disasters and political struggles. Unfortunately, the message of
peace and reconciliation is not only for the world out there but more
so for the Church as well. In our own Church, we have failed to bring
about unity and reconciliation of the Church Associations and we
continue to experience divides along cultural, racial and economic
lines and yet we preach reconciliation and peace to the world around
us and expect it to accept and believe our message. We need to stand
up for Jesus and for what Jesus stood for, and be counted! Jesus gave
up his life so that we may be reconciled to God. What is it that we
may need to give up in order to be reconciled to one another? The
UPCSA states quite clearly in its Vision Statement that it is working
towards becoming a “reconciled community” given our vast
diversity and differences. Each of us will need to ask what this
means for us and how we can truly make this vision a reality. It is
an invitation to hospitality, generosity, forgiveness and love as we
consider not just ourselves but the “other’. Is this not what
Christmas is all about? Jesus did not consider himself but in
humility “made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a
servant, being made in human likeness.”
This is why Christmas is so
significant. The incarnation speaks of the sacrificial love of God.
It is a time to love, forgive and seek reconciliation. Christmas is
not just about parties, celebrations and holidays. The most
appropriate way to celebrate Christmas is to come back to Christ and
to value the gift of salvation given to us even though we do not
deserve it. The most appropriate way to celebrate Christmas is to
follow the example of Jesus. So, why not call that long lost brother,
sister or relative? What about that person you intensely dislike and
cannot forgive? What about that person in your place of work,
congregation, neighbourhood or Presbytery? May the message of Christ
and the spirit of Christmas speak to you and prompt you to do
whatever is necessary in the interest of love, forgiveness,
reconciliation and peace. May we follow in the footsteps of Jesus
Christ, our perfect example!
God has blessed us in so many different
ways in this past year. It is important to take time to reflect and
to give thanks. We thank God for all our ministers, their families,
elders, church leaders and congregations, for all those who have kept
the fire of the Gospel alive in their respective ministries and
context and faithfully supported the local church, the Presbyteries
and the UPCSA at large. We thank God that we were able to recover
just over R1,6m from the fraud and have thus not suffered much
financial loss. We thank God for all of you who have blessed the work
of the UPCSA in numerous and diverse ways. God bless you!
Please
exercise caution as you celebrate during this time and especially as
you go on holiday and travel on the roads. For those who have had a
very busy year and neglected their families, spend good quality time
with your loved ones; they are God’s precious gift to you!
I wish
you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and a blessed and
prosperous New Year in the Lord. May your lives and homes be filled
with the love, peace and joy that come from the Prince of Peace,
Christ our Lord and Saviour.
Blessings!
