From the RT. Rev. Dr. S. Tilewa Johnson
(Bishop of The Gambia and Dean of the Province of West Africa) 

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

On the night of the first Christmas shepherds were watching their flocks in the fields outside Bethlehem.  When an angel appeared to them they were terrified; but “the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”   (Luke 2: 10 & 11).  The good news was for ALL people.  With this message, “suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace, good will toward men.”
(Luke: 2: 13 & 14)

It is interesting that the great good news – the long awaited news of the birth of the Messiah – was first presented to people on the margins of the society of that day.  Shepherds were social and religious outcasts.  As nomads they were not easily trusted, and were not able to fulfill the requirements of ceremonial religious law.  That they should be singled out by God to be the first to receive such news indicates the inclusive nature of God, whereby he draws in all people, regardless of background.  Although, in worldly terms, invariably the rich and powerful are given prominence – even in the outworking of religion – the same is not true in the outworking of God’s purpose.  We detect a particular concern for the poor and those marginalized by worldly systems.  In the unfolding story of God’s plan of salvation for humankind and the world those on the margins were given places of honour.  The shepherds were the first to receive the news of Jesus’ birth.  Women, who were also of lower status, were the first to receive the news of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead.

At this time of year we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.  The Feast of the Nativity is the time when we remember the fact that God’s love for humankind caused Him to come to earth in the form of a man – Jesus - to live with us for while.  Today God is with us through His Spirit.  During his earthly ministry Jesus revealed the nature of God.  He revealed very clearly God’s particular loving concern for the poor, the marginalized and innocent victims of misfortune.  Jesus chose to spend time with and minister to those who were cast out by society – such as tax collectors and lepers.

The incarnation of God, which we celebrate during this season, gives us hope and comfort in a number of ways.  God fully understands the human condition.  There is nothing that happens to any of us that God has not experienced first hand through Jesus Christ.  Jesus was born as a vulnerable baby, lived for a while as a refugee in Egypt, experienced the pain of rejection and betrayal by those he considered friends, suffered the extremes of physical and mental torture, and finally experienced the most painful and humiliating of deaths.  He also no doubt knew the love and joy of communion with family and friends.  He personally experienced all the joys and sorrows that are part of being human.

Over the past year we have witnessed a number of disasters – both “natural” and man-made.  Our minds are not always able to take it all in.  Yet we feel the pain of those affected.  Maybe we have suffered our own personal disasters or losses.  The mind and heart of God are infinite.  God fully knows the depth of the pain, and He shares in our suffering.  This is our comfort – that we worship a God who fully understands us.  He understands our experience of being human, and all that this implies.  God is not a distant God, but a God who is with us and in us in all things.  This is the significance of our celebrations at Christmas.  God’s love caused Him to become human and live on earth for a while.  Through the death and resurrection of Jesus at the end of his time on earth, God has overcome sin and death.

The good news that the angel brought on the first Christmas morning was of the birth of a Saviour – the Messiah.  The angelic host proclaimed God’s peace – a peace of mind and spirit that is beyond the peace that the world can give.  The coming of the Messiah proclaimed God’s good will towards the world, and His desire for peace for all.  However, the world continues to experience immeasurable suffering.  We struggle with this mystery, whilst at the same time we worship a loving God.  We must also ask the question as to whether we have misused God’s gift of himself and the peace he offered.  Are we willing to promote peace and good will?  Are we willing to be inclusive in our approach to others – respecting all people and their right to dignity?  Do our actions contribute to a more just society where no one suffers the indignity of poverty?  We can start to work positively towards these aims within the family, and then the close community.  If enough people strive to make this sort of society a reality, the effects would spread throughout the nation.  If enough countries took the challenge seriously, the effects could be worldwide.  By God’s power, anything is possible.  Such a move would certainly be according to His will.  It has started with God, but you and I have a responsibility to respond.

This Christmas, let us commit ourselves to being agents of God – to do His will, and allow His kingdom to come on earth.  We can then bring God’s comfort to those in need.  Today we celebrate the birth of Jesus.  By following his example and teaching we can fulfill God’s will, and receive a deep and lasting peace of mind and spirit.  We pray also for peace of the body that can come through good food, health, and so on.  As God’s will is fulfilled in our lives, and His kingdom becomes a reality on earth, all will be to the honour and glory of God.

At the proclamation the birth of Jesus, the angels praised God, saying:

“Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace, good will toward men.”
(Luke: 2: 13 & 14)

May the peace of God be ours this Christmas, and always.  May goodwill become a reality in our communities.

Happy Christmas to you all.