Is it only me, or does the world seem more unstable than ever before? 2016 has seen: huge movements of people, continuing wars in the Middle East, terrorist threats, Brexit and now the prospect of a Donald Trump American Presidency – whatever next? And what will 2017 hold for all of us?
We all long for a brighter, safer future for ourselves, our families and the world but there seems to be so much uncertainty and insecurity. Is that something new? Or has it always been like that? The world has been through troubling times and come out the other side but now the stakes seem so much higher!
Back in Jesus’ day – the first Christmas – life was pretty fragile too. Jesus’ people were under the thumb, they were surrounded by soldiers and under the cosh of a new and Mighty Power – the Romans. Everyday life was a massive struggle for ordinary people and the prospects seemed very bleak.
Into that uncertainty came Jesus – quietly and almost unnoticed into our world – except for a few Shepherds and some exotic Travellers. Almost everyone else missed his arrival – the arrival of God’s great Champion – the Saviour of the World.
The newly elected Donald Trump has been described as “the most powerful man on earth” – heaven help the world – but in contrast, Jesus’ power, still active in the world today, is not power over others – but power to … love and help others in a world which so often cries out in pain.
When the Angels sang: Peace to God’s people on earth – they meant that Jesus was bringing new life to a struggling world; new hope to those whose lives were full of grief; and a peace which can sustain and empower us all to work for a better future with His help and His presence.
May you and your family be blessed at Christmas and have a peaceful New Year. We would love to welcome you to any of our special services over the Christmas Season.
Peter Chantry
