“Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given:
and the government shall be upon his shoulder:
and his name shall be called
Wonderful, Counsellor, the mighty God,
the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.”
(Isaiah 9:6)
Dear Church Family,
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ be always with you. As we enter this beautiful season of Christmas, when we celebrate the birth of our Lord Saviour, Jesus Christ, we stand at the end of year 2024. It is a beautiful time to reflect to express our heartfelt gratitude to God for His steadfast love and presence in our lives.
This is December, ‘It’s the most wonderful time of the Year’, almost the whole world is decorated with bright and colourful lights, Christmas trees are decorated and are placed in homes, markets and churches, people are ready to post Christmas cards, buying gifts for their loved ones, enjoying family and friends fellowships, cooking, baking and eating, evergreen garlands and wreaths are hanging on doors, Advent candles are ready to be lit in every church, a nativity scene is also placed in homes, churches and shops, congregations are waiting to sing amazing Carols to share the good news of birth of Jesus. Everything reminds us the steadfast love and unwavering compassion of God.
In this month, let us take a moment to thank God for His countless blessings, for the love of family and friends, for the strength found in community, and for the hope that help us through difficult times. Let us remember all our difficult times, when we called upon God, and he answered our prayers. Our hearts are full with gratitude, and the lessons learned that have deepened our faith.
As we prepare to welcome the new year, it is also a time for new beginnings and renewed commitments. Just as we reflect on the past, we can also look forward with anticipation, making promises to ourselves and to God. This year, let us resolve to deepen our faith, to serve others with compassion, and to embrace opportunities for growth and transformation. Let us try to be lights in our communities, sharing the love and hope that Christ offers to us all. In this moment of remembrance, it is essential to pause and express our profound gratitude to God for His faithfulness through every season we have faced. We have seen His provision, felt His comfort, and experienced the loving support of our church community.
My dear brothers and sisters, as we approach the end of this year, let us carry this spirit of gratitude forward. Let us make a commitment to embrace the future with renewed hope, knowing that God walks with us through every challenge and triumph. Together, we need to support one another in love, and to seek opportunities to serve our community. Let us remember that every day is a gift and an opportunity to reflect God’s love in the world around us.
This year has been marked by significant challenges, and many in our families, community, country and world have faced the heartache of losing loved ones, friends, and in our East Team, we lost many precious church family members of our congregations.
Each loss leaves a permanent mark on our hearts, and lives. In the midst of preparing for the holidays, it is important that we take a moment to honour and remember our beloved brothers and sisters, whom we have lost.
Let us remember their firm faith, ministry, gifts & talents, hard work, dedication & commitment, laughter, their kindness, and the unique ways they touched our lives. Let us gather together in prayer and reflection, sharing stories and memories that celebrate their lives and the love, hope and peace, they brought into our lives.
As we light the Advent candles this month, may we also light a candle in memory of those who have departed, acknowledging our sorrow while also embracing the hope, peace, joy and love this Advent Season brings.
My dear brothers and sisters, as we celebrate the joy and peace of the Christmas season, it is very important for us to remember all those countries experiencing war and conflict, people who are under persecution, that may God grant us the courage to stand for peace in our communities and around the world.
My children and I want to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year filled with hope, joy and every blessing. May the peace of Christ be with you today and always.
Yours in Christ,
Mona, Sarah, Romeo, Shon, Zebi, and Zee.
Excerpt taken from Emmanuel Magazine December 2024. The magazine, published ten times annually, features articles contributed or authored by our members. It includes a delightful blend of testimonials, devotions, book reviews, prayers, jokes, upcoming events, and more. Grab your copy of the latest magazine at the church foyer. If you prefer to receive a copy by mail or email, feel free to reach out to us.