Sometimes on Television and Radio, the programming is interrupted with “break-in” news, nationally or internationally. Most listeners pay close attention to what is said and or demonstrated. This is followed by telephone calls discussing the news item.
As the nation of Israel faced impending doom the prophet Isaiah in a time of national crisis, addressed his nation with Good News which shook them out of apathy. Listen to his address to them: “The people who walked in darkness, have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness on them has light shined…For a child has been born for us, a son is given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah (:2ff).
The world in which Jesus came was also characterized by conflict and disaster. Palestine was under the Roman rule, with its armies showing their dominance. Rebellion against Roman rule was growing. Religious rivalry and discrimination added to the growing sense of despair. Into such an environment Jesus was born. It was to the lowly shepherds the Good News came that a Saviour would be born. The angel said to them: “I bring you good news of great joy for all people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Messiah” (Luke 2:11). Then the shepherds heard the love song by the angels, celebrating God’s intervention for our liberation from the forces which keep us bondage. “Peace on earth,” was the theme of their song.
Similar to the birth of the Christ-child, chaos, despair, conflicts, religious intolerance and discrimination, are forces challenging our very survival on planet earth. The Good News is that, peace and goodwill can be experienced when individually, collectively and as the Anguillian community, we respond to the Good News that the Prince of Peace wishes to dwell among us. It is then that broken relationships will be mended, hatred replaced by love and conflicts shall cease.
I pray that the joy and hope this season brings, be experienced in your life, and among your family. Remember, ‘Jesus is the reason for the season.’ On behalf of my family, and the Methodist Church family, we wish for you a blessed and peaceful season; and a new year of blessings.
Wycherley Gumbs, Rev.
Superintendent Minister
Anguilla Methodist Circuit
(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)
