PEACE
ON EARTH, GOODWILL AMONG PEOPLE
This
is what the Angels proclaimed in the Gospel of Luke Chapter 2 verse 14 when
they announced the birth of Jesus Christ to simple shepherds two thousand years
ago, and we will hear this wonderful good news throughout the season of
Christmas.
At
Christmas, we recall the message of hope that comes from the birth of Jesus,
the Son of the God. God in his love for the world is giving us hope and peace
through the birth of his son.
His
love, seen in Jesus, is the route of peace. For the prophet Isaiah in Chapter 9
verse 6 tells us the Jesus is the Prince of Peace.
If
and when we welcome Jesus into our hearts and lives the love of Jesus
reconciles us with God and with one another. Jesus’ love renews our
relationships with God and with one another, so that as we love God with all
our hearts and as we love our neighbors as ourselves, we are empowered to work
for peace and to resist the temptation to hate others, and so we are able to
dispel the darkness of aggression, violence, war and conflict.
The
birth of Jesus cannot be separated from the message of love, reconciliation and
forgiveness which is necessary for the entire world and especially at this time
for The Gambia.
In
Jesus Christ we have peace, extraordinary peace as we read in the Gospel of
John Chapter 14 verse 27: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do
not give to you as the world gives”. God wants to give us peace because he
loves us.
The
Angels’ song and message is still relevant and significant for us today. That
is why we celebrate the birth of Jesus. Jesus the Son of God is the saviour of
the whole world and of all people. He can save us today.
In
the midst of fear, suspicion and turmoil around the world today, we remember
that it is Jesus the son of god who gives us hope, no matter what our
circumstances are. Whether people are fleeing from war and famine in their home
country, Jesus is with them. Whether people have lost loved ones through old
age, sickness, accident or violence, Jesus is with them. Whether people are
afraid to lose their jobs and livelihood, Jesus is with them. No matter what
struggles we face - Jesus Christ the Son of God is with us, giving us courage
to endure and not lose hope.
We
pray for those who have died in the nation and for their loved ones who grieve
for them and miss them. Jesus is with them. We are called to rejoice with those
who rejoice and to mourn with those who mourn.
We
must continue in unceasing prayer with renewed strength and faith in God
together. Jesus is with us. Jesus is the bringer of God’s peace, and the love
of Jesus can create in us the goodwill to sustain our country The Gambia into a
peaceful and prosperous future.
Jesus
is God’s peace for us, and Jesus gives us the goodwill we need at this time.
Let us continue to work and pray for peace. The love of Jesus inspires us to
fear God in faithful obedience. The love of Jesus inspires us to work for
peace. The love of Jesus inspires us to avoid altercations. The love of Jesus
inspires us to show good manners and demonstrate kindness and generosity.
The
love of Jesus inspires us to forgive anyone who may have wronged or hurt us.
Inspired by the peace and goodwill of Jesus, let us together work for peace,
reconciliation and forgiveness, with respect for one another, we have to stand
up for and work for The Gambia and we must continue to dialogue with one
another.
Let
us continue to pray for the President and the President-Elect, that they show
magnanimity and restraint, to exercise love and to work for peace,
reconciliation and forgiveness.
We
pray that the Almighty God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, grant all of us the
ability to show respect, and exercise wisdom, so that The Gambia can go forward
in peace and unity for the common good.
Women,
work and pray for peace, for the sake of your children, and for the sake of all
who live in The Gambia. Men, work and pray for peace, for the sake of your families
and for the sake of all who live in The Gambia. Young people, work and pray for
peace, for the sake of your future and for the sake of all who live in The
Gambia.
All
who live and work in Gambia, work and pray for peace, adhere to peace, enjoy
peace, celebrate peace. Pray for all leaders across the world, and especially
for the leaders of The Gambia, that they will work for peace. Pray for the
nation and demonstrate peace and goodwill in your interaction with everyone.
The
progress and development of the country must not be destroyed. Freedom and
justice must prevail. We need fortitude, courage and resilience to overcome the
challenges we face. We need patience and wisdom to make true progress. We need
to serve others more than our own interests. We must go beyond party politics
and personal desires as we pursue the peace of The Gambia. We, too, can be
transformed by the good news of Christmas.
What
the Angels said to the shepherds those many years ago, the Angel of God is also
saying to us today: “I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the
people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the
Messiah, the Lord - Glory to God in the highest; peace on earth and goodwill
among people!” (The Gospel of Luke Chapter 2 verse 14) _
I
wish us all a very happy and peaceful Christmas.
God
bless The Gambia. God bless you all.
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