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10 Dec, 2009 - 16:26 |
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Some of the story of the birth of Jesus
The story of the birth of Jesus is recorded in only two books of the New Testament; very briefly in the Gospel of Matthew and with greater detail in the Gospel of Luke. Although briefly recorded in the Gospel of Matthew, the author records most significantly that Jesus is ‘Emmanuel’, which means ‘God with us’. (Matthew 1.23) In the birth of Jesus, we celebrate with joy that God is with us. In the birth of Jesus, we celebrate with joy that we have been shown the way of peace and love in this world. In the birth of Jesus, we celebrate with joy that there is always new life in Christ, one that brings hope for that which can be. And the list goes on.
If this is what we celebrate and knowing that Jesus showed us the way; then how can we honour and follow that way?
How can we be the presence of God for others? How do we bring about peace and love in this world? How do we bring hope for new life in Christ?
India students in Australia – be the Samaritan to your neighbour
As I write this article, I am in India while the Australian Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, is visiting India. What has been highlighted in the media is the attacks on Indian students living in Australia and how Kevin Rudd should respond. In India, these violent attacks are being portrayed as a racial attack and they are greatly concerned for the security and welfare of their children. There is a cry from India to protect their students in Australia.
Whether the attacks are racial or because Indian students are seen as a vulnerable target seems to miss the point. When Jesus was asked by a lawyer about ‘who is my neighbour’ he replied with the parable of the Good Samaritan. The Samaritan did not ask why the attack had occurred and did not care that the man beaten and robbed was a Jew. He simply showed compassion and mercy to his brother. (See Luke 10.29-37 for the parable)
These students from India, living in Australia, who are being beaten and robbed, are our neighbour. How could we show these students that we care about what is happening to them? We can be the presence of God by showing compassion to our neighbour and letting those from India know they are welcome and that we care. We can celebrate the birth of Jesus by being the presence of God to others, whether they are from India, Kenya, Australia, or any other place.
Peace Process in India – Pursue Pathways of Peace
The church in Orissa, India undertook a peace process between representatives from 65 congregations and representatives from 25 congregations which resulted in the acceptance of a new president and financial officer for all 90 congregations. Apostle Andrew Bolton led a team of professionals and ministers to facilitate pathways of peace in India. The church engaged professional mediators in the process and local minister, Amson Mallick, played a significant role in the peace-making process. Despite personal threats, local ministers were determined to find a peaceful solution. The process has not finished but remarkable progress has been made.
As a result of the peace process the new president, Ruben Mandal, was ordained an elder and recognised as President of East Orissa and Aliya Sabar recognised as financial officer. There was a great sense of joy as a parade of church members danced and gathered for a 3 hour worship with more than seven thousand in attendance. For the church in East Orissa this was a new beginning turning away from its conflict.
The Reminder of Christmas
We are reminded at Christmas time that the birth of Jesus is about the love of God coming to life in a child who would bring peace to the world, if we would only follow his way. This Christmas let us be the presence of God to others who are neighbours, to show love and compassion, to be the peacemakers that we are called to be and to bring hope to what seems dead and hopeless.
When we become the presence of God, as Jesus was and is, we can then truly sing about ‘Joy to the World’.
Paul Hardwick
Bishop and Field Apostolic Assistant, Asia
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