A Messiah is Born

Madonna and Child in Lily Field, by Patricia Brintle (patriciabrintle.com), Used by permission

It is a great joy to share my first Christmas message with you.  
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We are still dealing with the difficulties of a post COVID era. Businesses are struggling to regain what was lost. People are dealing with the loss of their loved ones. We are all still adjusting to the new normal. Despite all of this, as Christians, we believe that hope is not lost. The Prophet Isaiah declared:  

For to us a child is born, 
to us a son is given, 
and the government will be on his shoulders. 
And he will be called 
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, 
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. ​

The prophecy was fulfilled when the Messiah was born in the little town of Bethlehem. The angels announced it to the shepherds and a bright shining star led the three wise men to visit and give their gifts.  

Today we join in celebrating the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, but a critical question remains for us to answer: What does the birth of Christ mean to us as Christians in these trying times?  

I dare say that the birth of Christ gives us hope that God has come and will solve the problems that are impossible for us. The birth of Christ assures us that God will give us liberation from all forms of oppression - mental, physical, emotional or psychological. All we need to do is to surrender to God’s wise counsel. As we open our hearts to receive Christ, we can sing with the angels in Luke 2:14:  

Glory to God in the highest heaven, 
    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests. 
I wish you all a joyous Christmas and a very prosperous 2023. Join me in singing one of my favorite carols, as we come together to adore Jesus the Christ: 
O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant 
O come ye, o come ye to Bethlehem 
O come and behold Him, born the King of Angels 
O come, let us adore Him 
O come, let us adore Him 
O come, let us adore Him 
Christ the Lord 

By Joyce Larko Steiner, WDPIC Chairperson