Here we are again another year drawing to a close. 2020 What a Year! None of us would have predicted what this past year held. Most agree they’re looking for a new start. I’ve heard a number of people say they’re looking forward to this year finally ending with the hope of brighter better 2021. I dare say we all echo those words. We’ve endured a year of turmoil, swept by a global pandemic, bringing with it serious restrictions, lock-downs, economic hardship and so on. It would be easy to lose all hope, many have been gripped by fear and panic, doomsday prophets have spread their conspiracy theories and false prophets have joined the bandwagon peddling their wares in the Christian market. Yet our confidence is not in Medical Science or Government policy, it is not in the latest Christian theory or popular opinion piece. Our hope is Jesus Christ and the truth of his Word. As the old hymn says “our hope is built on nothing else, but Jesus Christ my righteousness – On Christ the solid rock I stand: All other ground is sinking sand”

As we enter this somewhat disjointed Christmas season with many families separated by border closures and bans on international travel, we need a solid foundation to place our thoughts and hope upon. Some see Jesus as a baby in a manger and sadly at this time of year that is the way he is often portrayed. Jesus was not merely some historical figure, he is not a defenceless baby, He is the Risen Lord, Saviour and King. He is the Prince of Peace – and if we’ve ever needed peace – it has been this past year. He is the One who gives us a future and destiny full of Kingdom possibilities. We may not know what the future holds, but we do know who holds it in his hands. Paul’s words in Philippians 1:6 should encourage us. “He who began a good work in you, will be faithful to complete it” 2020 is seen by some as a complete disaster, that somehow the plans of God have been waylaid, that the devil has had a victory against the church, but that is a narrow defeatist view. The reality is in many countries around the world the Gospel is bearing fruit. 100,000s are being saved and that fact should fill our hearts with joy.

Here in our own nation, many would profess to be part of the Christian faith, yet perhaps Christmas Day will be the only time they attend a church meeting for the year. True faith is not a casual remembrance that Jesus was born. True faith is the acceptance of Jesus as Lord and Saviour, where that acceptance leads to a total reliance, trust and dependence upon Him. Together our prayer is that people everywhere would come to a saving knowledge and experience true faith in Jesus Christ, that they would find his peace in the midst of a tumultuous year. Let us take every opportunity to share the real meaning of Christmas with all those we come in contact with.

God Bless You all – may you have a blessed Christmas

Tony