Let us not grow weary in well-doing for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. - Galatians 6:9
The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands are wonderful places to live. Many things that we take for granted are the envy of other nations. We have our challenges just like everyone else, and here are some of them:
o The economy.
o The rising cost of living.
o Crime.
o Unemployment.
o Immigration issues.
o The breakdown of community.
o The fact that we do not have as much respect for each other and for each other's property as we used to have.
There are two things which we must not forget:
o Even in these areas of concern, we are better off than many other places.
o Most people here are wholesome and positive, and not involved in "the negative".
However, although the negative behavior is only being exhibited by a small minority, there are enough negative people and activity for us to be very, very concerned. Additionally, the economic and other challenges remain great.
Against this backdrop, people tend:
o To be overwhelmed.
o To be cynical.
o To be bitter.
o To throw up their hands in despair.
o To give up and to say, "What's the use!"
In this kind of environment, it is sometimes hard for people to hear the Christmas message: "God coming into the world as an infant, bringing joy and new life... peace on earth, goodwill to all people," etc.
They scoff at the thought of Christian hope. But this message is still true and still timely. God has done and is doing His work in the world. God has done and is doing so many wonderful things through the life and faithfulness of boys, girls, men and women who have not lost sight of His goodness in the "badness" of our world.
As we face the challenges in The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands, and as we face our own personal challenges, let us not give up nor give in. Ask God to help us to be steadfast. Encourage one another to be steadfast.
Victory over great or impossible odds may not be won instantly or in one action. Victory is won through perseverance, by keeping up the little things - through the "trivial round" and the "common task" as the hymn writer said.
Victory is won by our doing good even when no one can see us, by our doing right even when we "lose" because of it, by our believing in the goodness of God and having faith in the goodness of people, by our realizing that the power of good is always more powerful than the power of evil, by our believing that good will always win out in the end no matter how long it takes.
Many will "suck their teeth" or grunt "Hmph!" at this thought, but Jesus, through His life, death and resurrection, and throughout human history, has shown us that it is true. Good people and good deeds and positive living must hold on in the face of impossible odds. That is one of the hardest things for humans to do in this life, but hoping beyond hope is always difficult.
The joy of the baby Jesus is experienced instantly in the joys and blessings of life. That joy is also more powerfully experienced when good people persevere in the face of challenge and wrong, when they make mistakes but repent and try to do better, when they fall down but get up every time and press on, when they look back on the day, the week or the year and say, "It was rough. I tried. Many of the problems are still there. But at least I gave it my best, and I will never stop trying."
This is when the call of Jesus has its full power. This is when the hope of the gospel becomes real. This is when the gospel is truly life-changing.
The Most Reverend John Holder, archbishop of the West Indies and bishop of Barbados, recently issued a tribute on the passing of Nelson Mandela. He begins it with the following words: "There are some points in human history when the world comes face to face with the greatest of human possibilities. It pauses, and it discovers that in spite of all the atrocities of history, in spite of the negatives in human relationships, there is still in each of us a potential for good that can be released, developed and put to work to make the world a better place."
This is an apt description of what Nelson Mandela stood for, and of what he accomplished in South Africa - in the face of incredible odds. This reminds us of what our posture should be as we face life in our own two beloved countries.
Jesus came to show us that, no matter what the challenges, there is a spark of Him that we can discover inside of us to face the world and to be victorious.
Allow His birth and the message He comes to bring to change your life and your environment. Allow Him to change you and the world.
The Anglican Diocese of The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands and my family join me in wishing one and all a Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.
-- The Rt. Rev. Laish Boyd, bishop of the Anglican Diocese of the Bahamas and The Turks and Caicos Islands
Where is the joy?
The spate of senseless killings, rapes, robberies and untimely deaths on our streets have resulted in the question, "Where is the joy?"
Admittedly, this time of the year ought to be one of joy, glee, laughter and happiness, but apart from crime many other challenges are confronting our people: joblessness, reduced income and illness (terminal and otherwise) - not to mention marital and family issues that are plaguing our land. Therefore the question "where is the joy?" is echoed.
Joy is constant
The Bible makes no fuss about it, as it simply and unapologetically declares that joy - remarkable joy, wonderful joy, unbelievable joy, real joy - has come to this world with the birth of Jesus.
Consider the saying of Luke 2:10-11: "Do not be afraid," says the angel, "for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people." The angel of the Lord adds, "For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."
Joy is tied to Christ. His first coming brought joy; His death on Calvary manifested a matchless love; His resurrection assures us of a sound resurrection hope as penned by Bill Gaither, "Because He lives I can face tomorrow."
Additionally, the fact that He is in heaven interceding for men and women provides an ongoing reason for celebration and rejoicing. In fact, I am reminded of some of His final words to His disciples, "And lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the ages" (Matthew 28:20). Furthermore, I reference the well-known John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."
These declarations constitute joy even in the midst of all the ills, disappointments and issues of our land. We sure do need it!
Are you for real?
Christians are accused of offering "a pie in the sky" or speaking of some future bliss, but truth be told people are hurting now and they need answers today.
How does this Christ message apply? The Christ message could not be more relevant. After all, the Bible says, "He is touched with the feeling of our infirmities" (Hebrews 4:15). Do you know of anyone like that? For South Africans and many others, Nelson Mandela, who sacrificed personal freedom and endured great pain, isolation and deprivation for the freedom of his people, would come close; but Christ is more.
Wiping away the tears of pain and disappointment, He offers healing, food, shelter, freedom, forgiveness, hope and companionship. These and more He provides through His church and through His people everywhere. Consider the acts of kindness you have experienced all year.
Notwithstanding some of your setbacks, look at what He did. You received the favor of someone paying a bill or part of it; someone repaired your car, or appliance, or roof free or at a discounted rate. You received a loan even though you were not qualified; through some charitable foundation you received medical assistance. You received the favor of lunch, or better still groceries when you could not afford it. You have sat your exams owing tuition, and you even graduated this year and possibly you are still wondering, "How did I make it?" Your landlord gave you a reprieve on your rent. Maybe you went all year and did not have any health issues; no unnecessary marital pain; you paid all your bills on time. And even if the opposite applies, aren't you glad that you are still standing with just a few days to the end of 2013?
Joy today and always
Joy was never intended to be a once-a-year encounter, or even a now and then experience, but a daily and hourly one; for Jesus Himself announced, "I have come that they may have life, and have it more abundantly" (John 10:10).
The reality of this remarkable gift of joy dispels despair, ingratitude, worry, sleeplessness, revenge and anger. The joy that Christ gives by His presence, His church and His word is unquestionably real, practical and enduring.
If you have not experienced it, it could be for several reasons. Maybe you do not know Him. Maybe you are looking in the wrong place. Maybe you are expecting to receive when you can be giving time, encouragement and some other form of assistance.
Maybe a paradigm shift is needed in your thoughts. The Apostle Paul would tell you that to know this Christ is to experience radical change. And I could say the same. God gives me such an outlook that keeps me going daily notwithstanding my share of pain, loss and apparent setbacks; but the favors of God outweigh all of these, and as a result, I am discovering that the more that I trust Him and stay close to [abide in] Him, I experience an inner calm, peace and joy.
Indeed, joy has come and is here and will be here as long as Jesus is alive; and that my friend is forever, so let His joy become your joy today and always. This way you will dismiss the question, "Where is the joy?" We know by experience that the joy of the Lord is present, real and long lasting!
-- Pastor Leonard Johnson, president, Atlantic Caribbean Union Mission of Seventh-day Adventists
The saga of Christmas, government and God exchange
God sent Jesus to challenge the system and change the culture and tradition of men to a new way of purpose, prosperity and perpetuity; to change the illegal, unjust and immoral society to a new way of miracles, mystery and majesty.
Watch God
o Stepping into time from eternity and introducing the heavenly bodies to be a focal point into this drama, this saga.
The galaxies - the footpath - became a super highway for travelers and caravans, wise men, stargazers. He broke in on our pilgrimage from beneath.
o God came to the least and the lowly such as shepherds.
o God came to business persons and investors such as hoteliers (innkeepers).
o God came to the administrators of the world, like kings, noblemen and lords: Herod, Pilate, Nicodemus; the Senate, the Parliament and the people such as the Sanhedrin Council.
o God came through this Messiah to change the system.
o God brought the hidden things to light - Mary, Joseph, Zacharias, Elizabeth, Simeon, wise men, angels, prophets, he created angelic choirs to wake up sleeping giants.
If the world system were operating justly and peacefully with love for humanity, value and virtue for all, there would be no need for change and the transference of power; but earth needed a Savior, a Messiah.
Earth needed a "planet-changer". Too many animals were slaughtered for sacrifice and men were still sinful. So, God sent a "lamb" - slain from the foundation of the world for Adam's fallen race. His arrival demands universal and global attention.
Emmanuel: God with us
God is in every city, every town, every country, every nation, every region, every continent; in every street, neighborhood and every village; in every person, tongue, nationality, culture, system, government and administration. He is among the animals, birds, fish, creeping things, trees, rivers, waters and even the very atmosphere.
Miracles, majesty and mystery have taken center stage. The Messiah became reconciled with man.
The media has given us all cause for alarm. They report the overnight activities and daily duties of good and bad; the citizens are left to decide if The Bahamas is a repeat of the proverbial "Dodge City" where its citizens live by who is quickest with the trigger, for certainly, many are trigger-happy. Robbery, stealing and rape seem to be the order of the day.
Wake up Bahamas! Rise up and take the wicked by the hand; protect each other. The power of God is on our side. Rest in Him. Light still penetrates darkness and justice and equality should be for all. Paradise includes the entire Bahamas, and not just the small island once known as "Hog Island".
Emmanuel, the Messiah comes to town
Heaven declares "Peace on earth" right here at home. Stop the violence, cease the disrespect, no longer allow the butchering of brothers, rebellion and corruption must be banished from among us and peaceful co-existence must rule in our nation and our region.
The time has come to put aside "religion" and explore a harmonious relationship between the Messiah and humanity. The Christian Church must reconsider relics and rituals, the vestments and collars and rekindle the purpose for which heaven has "kissed" earth.
Changing religious titles and draping with ceremonial garb without true repentance and the practice of values and virtue will never force people to proclaim, "Glory to God in the highest and peace on earth towards all men!"
The fearful thought of the common man is the competition between numbers houses and church houses; comparing and complaining. Who knows where this will end and what will be the outcome?
The senseless killings and disregard for law and order must cease. The heartless, aggressive and blatant violence must be met with governmental authority and those responsible must be made to feel the full brunt of the law, without fail.
We must take back our nation from these "terrorists" or be forced to live in fear. Criminals are running away with our town. From the earliest days of civilization, evil spirits have been assigned to certain regions and territories; they were divided into categories and were bent on destruction of plants, animals, people and properties and even the atmosphere.
We need to cry out for help from the Creator, for indeed, our planet is being invaded and we need help outside of ourselves. We must appeal to the Christ of Christmas for assistance!
-- Bishop B. Wenith Davis, pastor at Zion South Baptist Church
Jesus mission -- There should not be any confusion
During this time of the year, we pause to commemorate that very historic moment -- the coming of Our Saviour into human history.
On Tuesday night, December 17, 2002, my daughter Jade, urged me to tune in to the Phil Donahue show on the MSNBC TV channel.
Debate about entrance into heaven
The very lively discussion was built around the theme, "Do we have to go to Jesus in order to get to heaven," or in broader terms, "How does one get to heaven?" The live panel consisted of a Jewish Rabbi from New York (himself a radio talk show host, I did not get his name); Dr. Michael Johnson, a church leader; Dr. Al Mohler, president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; and Dr. Joe Hough, president of Union Theological Seminary, Virginia.
Confusion was clear
The most glaring implication that resulted from this one-hour discussion during which callers also shared their views, is that, despite 2,000 years of preaching and teaching the good news of Jesus Christ, confusion still reigns. It was encouraging though, that at least two of the panelists, held tenaciously to the biblical claims of Jesus Christ as the only Lord and Savior!
First century poll
As in Jesus' own day, there is no consensus regarding his true identity and the real purpose of his life and mission to earth.
In that era, Jesus himself inquired as to how he was being viewed by the people. His12 disciples shared with Him the most popular views held by the people. In their evaluation, they said to Him: "Some say you are John the Baptist, some say you are Elijah; others say you are Jeremiah, while still others say that you are one of the prophets." Jesus then inquired of them: "Whom do you say that I am?" Speaking, as he normally did for the group, Simon Peter blurts out with loud assurance: "You? You are the Christ, the Son of the living God!" (Matthew 16: 13-16)
We must all grapple with these pivotal questions: "Who is Jesus? And why did He come into the world?"
The mission of Jesus explained
At the very beginning of His earthly mission -- at His birth in fact these questions were answered very precisely. The announcing angel prophesied to Joseph, "His Name shall be called Jesus (Savior) for He will save His people from their sins." (Mt.1:21)
Thus, Jesus Christ is introduced immediately as the Savior. The angels' message to the bewildered shepherds reiterated the same truth: "Do not be afraid! Listen, I bring you glorious news of great joy, which is for all the people. This very day, in David's town, a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ, the Lord!" (Luke 2:10, J.B Phillips Translation). When Jesus began His preaching He left no stone uncovered to make the purpose of His mission to earth very clear.
How troubling, then that as the discussion that Phil Donahue had with these influential religious leaders so glaringly revealed, many people are yet not certain about Jesus Christ -- His person nor His purpose.
Bahamians are inexcusable
One thing is certain, no Bahamian should be among that number because for us true witnesses have been too many, and the consistent evidence far too convincing.
Listening to that television discussion, I concluded that the Jewish Rabbi, seemed the one most to be pitied, when He said that all persons from all religious perspectives, can eventually find their way to God -- even if in the process they disregard the peculiar claims of Jesus Christ!
A worthwhile resolution
As we listen to and join in the singing of the carols, the reading of the Biblical story, and as we unite with friends and family during the traditional Christmas church service, let us give a fuller attention to this matter.
During this season, settle the Jesus issue in your heart. It is both imperative and urgent.
-- Pastor Rex Major
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