Presbyterian Church in Ireland - Mission Overseas - Helpless, but not Hopeless

17th December 2009

On the first Christmas, Jesus was born into a world that was very similar to the one in which we live today. It was full of violence, poverty and religion. Children were killed. People were forced to flee their homeland. Countries were occupied by foreign armies.

Our daily news bulletins never fail to report the extent of sin and suffering in our contemporary world. This Christmas, millions of people are trapped in poverty, and are excluded from their homelands. Children are vulnerable, and many are killed before they are born. Elderly people feel isolated and insecure. Members of the armed forces are exposed to life-threatening dangers on foreign fields. It's all so familiar, and in face of huge global problems, we feel so helpless.

Yet we are not without hope. The mission and message of Christ remain unchanged. Jesus came to bring good news to the poor, freedom for the prisoners, sight for the blind, and release for the oppressed. In a pluralistic world of many religions, he announced that He alone was the true Light of the world and the true Bread of life, the only Saviour and Rescuer.

This Christmas, in the power of the Spirit of Christ, we share a message of hope and good news centred on Christ, our Saviour. In our homes and among our families, friends and neighbours, we share love and concern for one another. And we reach out to those who are marginalised, who feel excluded, and who are suffering. Others may hurt and destroy with their words and actions, but we seek to encourage and support one another. Life can be bruising and painful for many, but by being Christ-like in our attitudes and actions, we can bring hope, healing and comfort. In our broken world, we have a passion for Christ and compassion for people.

Ultimately, our hope will be realised at the Second Advent of Christ, when He will come again in glory and power. On that day, "all the kingdoms of this world will become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever".

Rt Rev Dr Stafford Carson
Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland

Issued by Stephen Lynas, Presbyterian Information Services. Info@PresbyterianIreland.org

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