It is Christmas. A healing of wounds. A reason to rejoice
Once again, the healing of wounds. A reason to rejoice. Even dance.
We are in our island fortress, so protected from the virus ravaging other countries far away.
Yet, in the midst of the protections that have served us so well, and in the context of due thanks to our leaders, we have passed and are passing bad legislation restricting freedom of belief, freedom of speech and freedom of practice — reaching into family life, schools, the community, and medical practice.
This year we have seen a continued push for euthanasia, abortion through to term by any method for any reason, and “conversion therapy” laws criminalising counselling — even by doctors — for those contemplating transgendering.
Logical argument is suppressed with “it’s the right thing to do”.
Even Martyn Iles has confessed to being “weighed down” by the enormous, escalating challenges — it does get very heavy.
Please pray for strength for our leaders in the trenches. May they have the right combination of concern, of burden, of forthrightness in humility, of grace and courage — and good timing by God’s grace.
Please pray for their marriages that they will be strong. There is always a tension when one person is putting their head above the trench, particularly when one’s medical registration is at risk (Dr Jereth Kok has now been suspended for 15 months) and financial risk.
But it is Christmas. It is also a time to rejoice.
Remember the opposing soldiers in WW1 put down their arms and sang Silent Night across the trenches in 2014. Even if our enemies and detractors will not, let us sing and rejoice in all that God through Jesus Christ has done and given us.
It is Christmas. It is time to rejoice.
The King of Kings is born in Bethlehem and the heavens are open to wide-eyed shepherds.
Sing, dance, exchange gifts and good wishes. Forgive, be at peace with one another. There is something bigger than ourselves.
The King of Kings is born in Bethlehem.
Be blessed this Christmas.
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