Pastor's Corner

Gift of Trust

"Do not be afraid, Zechariah," Gabriel tells him. "Your prayer has been heard. Your wife, Elizabeth, will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John ... he will be great in the sight of the Lord. Many of the people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God. And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous - to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."

The Cross and Christmas. Not too many people like to link the crucifix to Christmas! It is not kosher or inappropriate some might suggest. Consider this, it is precisely the message of Christmas. Christmas is where the cross and the manger emerged, both made out of wood. As I prepare personally for the Advent season, I too think of the manger, the baby, Mary, Joseph, and the cross.

But imagine the thoughts of God as He sent His only Son, Jesus into the world that morning in Bethlehem knowing full well that he would die to save a dying world. That is beyond me. But I am grateful for God?s demonstration of mercy, love and compassion for me and for all people.

We each have the greatest gift already inside our hearts and it was free and has brought us new life. But there are so many in our world today who have never heard about this new birth or this life changing experience in Jesus Christ. It is hard to believe, but is true because we who grew up in the Church and are surrounded by the love and grace of Jesus Christ take it for granted.

When God communicates with us or takes action in our lives, it is rarely with the impact of an angel's appearance. But our reaction is often much like Zechariah's. We question whether it is real. "Was that God speaking to me, or a hallucination? Was that a miracle, or just a coincidence? And if that really was God, can that really be what God meant?"

While we may relate somewhat to Zechariah's confusion and skepticism, we must be aware that it has its? cost. It's not so much that we might be struck dumb if we doubt God's authority or interest in us, but that we might miss the blessings and peace God desires to share with us.

Christmas season is very special. Folks warm up when they are mindful of the Christ child's birth, and make an extra effort to practice the virtues the angels sing of "peace on earth, goodwill towards people." But consider this - why do we notice this at Christmas? Why does this surge in warm heartedness stand out? I think it's because, despite our best intentions, good will towards people can easily become a seasonal event rather than a standing attitude.

2012 has been an exceptional year at St. Ansgar with lots of activities, particularly the celebration of our 85th Anniversary and our annual Christmas bazaar which was held two weeks later. I noticed something during the event that really impressed and encouraged me immensely. It was so beautiful to see so many new faces from the congregation and the community at large. They took time from their busy schedules to come and help the church out. I take this opportunity to say thousand thanks.

When Christ entered our world, he didn't come to brighten our Decembers, but to transform our lives into his likeness. It can be hard work to practice good will towards one another. But John the Baptist's message was that as we prepare for Christ to come into our lives.

The Gospel accounts of Jesus' ministry provide the blueprint for loving our neighbour in a busy and complicated neighbourhood. Christ made a point of seeking out the broken and disenfranchised people of his day - the lepers, prostitutes and tax collectors - and he saw the value in each one of them. And in so doing, He helped them recognize the value in themselves.

The Christmas season is once again up us, let us recognize that just as faith is a decision, good will towards all people is a series of decisions that work themselves out not in temporary holiday cheer, but in the details of everyday life. Whether the Word comes to us through a heavenly messenger or a passage of Scripture, or a preacher, or of a common folk God's promises are trustworthy, and our ability to accept them and live them is limited primarily by our ability to believe them.

At this Christmas I am thankful for the baby that was born in the manger, but I am also thankful for the cross, together both have changed my life and I will never be the same. As Zechariah's story demonstrates, God is never predictable, but is always faithful. With Christ in your heart ? have a blessed Christmas Joy to the world the Lord is Come.

Merry Christmas, Glædlig Jul, Frohe Weihnachten, Happy Hanukkah, & Joyeux Noël Have a Blessed, and prosperous New Year.

Best wishes from your friend and pastor,
Pastor Samuel King-Kabu

Web Page prepared by:
Roger Kenner & Jette Blair.
Content-New Topics Last Updated: 2014/02/28
St. Ansgar's Lutheran Church - Montreal