Church leaders appeal for peace and hope at Christmas

 

Religious leaders on Christmas Day urged Barbadians to embrace Christmas as a time of hope and peace in the face of increasing wars across the globe, the rising cost of living, and the climate crisis among other challenges.

Anglican Bishop, the Right Reverend Michael Maxwell told congregants at the St Michael’s Cathedral that many are still searching, longing, praying, and hoping for peace in today’s troubled world that is plagued with several conflicts and wars.

“Even in the land of our Saviour’s birth, where Israel is currently in battle with Hamas and in which to date just over 20,000 Palestinians and just over 1000 Israelis have lost their lives due to a war that just started 2.5 months ago, 21,000 plus lives have been lost. And now of course, we continue to monitor right here in our Caribbean region the border dispute between Venezuela and Guyana, and pray that this will be resolved peacefully.”

He further expressed concern that many are grappling with the high cost of living, scarce jobs, rising crime and violence, secularism and humanism and the increasing effects of climate change threatening the future.

Bishop Maxwell suggested the heart of the problem lies in the fact that too many people are not at peace with God or with others.

“There are also many hearts that are at war with family members, church members, work colleagues, neighbours and others because they have not let go of the past, have been too caught up with themselves and their self-ego or interests. Or they lack the debt of love to meet the other halfway, or to go the extra mile to reconcile differences and work towards the common good.

“There are also many hearts at war in themselves, restless because they have not opened their hearts to find rest in our Creator God. They have not accepted that they are chosen of God, loved by God, forgiven by God, valued by God and have been given a divine purpose from God that will enable their lives to be fulfilling.

“Jesus, our Lord came into this world to address the problem of the heart and be the means through which our hearts may find and experience peace with God, peace with others and peace in oneself,” he admonished.

Over at Restoration Ministries International Apostle David Durant told the church that Christmas is anything but a time of peace for many who are stressed by unemployment, the high cost of living marital issues and other problems.

He reminded the rapt audience that the Christmas season celebrates the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ who can transform lives and troubling situations.

“We need to yield to Him so He can touch and bless our hearts with peace and our minds with that joy that we need. He will keep our hearts and our minds. Peace with others, that’s our responsibility to make sure we live at peace with each other and not at war and not pulling down and trying to destroy each other but being a peacemaker.

“In the end, what matters most in life is, do you have peace with God? Underneath your Christmas tree can be filled with gifts, your home is beautifully decorated and you can have a great family gathering this season, but in the end, the pivotal question is, do you have peace with God?

At the St George Parish Church, Reverend Suzette Archer reminded the packed church to put Christ in Christmas and not to forget the real reason for the season. She advised that God is still willing to connect with people today and provide them with the direction they need.

“Thus, the miracle of the message is not just the fact that God speaks to us today through his son, but that the message has the power to transform our lives if we listen.  Christmas is the celebration of the greatest message ever proclaimed, Emmanuel God is with us.

“Wonderful people of God, He came near so that we could draw near to Him. Nothing whatsoever can ever separate us from His love. He says, trust in me with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and he will direct your paths.

“In the midst of life’s betrayals and bitter messages. He whispers, forgive those who mistreat you in the midst of life’s messages of joy and celebration. He shouts rejoice and be exceedingly glad. The miracle of Christmas is the miracle of the message. God loves you and me. Are you listening, better yet are you believing?

“It is therefore my prayer that the Christmas message of peace and love may fill your hearts and homes with joy and you may share this divine message with all those whom you meet,” Reverend Archer said.