THE CHRISTMAS SEASON brings a sigh of relief for many. It is a time when many are reunited with their loved ones who have lived abroad; exams are over for our youth and, to many who are homeless and hungry Christmas, more than any other time, offers the hope of benefitting from the goodwill of others.
For the Christian community, Christmas is a time of reflection on the significance of the birth of the Christ-child and the joy he offers to the world. Whatever our perspectives may be, one of the central messages of the Christmas narrative is that Jesus brings hope.
From a background of “people sitting in darkness” God sent hope to the human family with the birth of Jesus Christ, the Light and hope of the world (Isaiah 9:1-6).
According to Luke’s gospel, the angelic announcement to Zechariah concerning the birth of his son John the Baptist, brought great fear to him but also much hope. For despite being a godly man, he and his wife were childless. The announcement that they would bear a son in their old age, who would make a global and historic impact as the forerunner of Christ, was beyond their comprehension.
The angel assured Zechariah that in God’s time, she who was called barren will now give birth; futility was now turned to fertility! This pre-Christmas announcement brought great hope for the elderly couple for with God nothing is impossible!
Can our situation of apparent hopelessness confronting many families, businesses and our nation be turned around? Can faith in God be restored despite the increasing statistics of unchurched persons?
Can our vital tourism sector still produce despite the advanced age of our plant? Can our leaders, left speechless like Zechariah because of ominous circumstances, still rise to the occasion to be productive? Is there still hope?
That the angel also appeared to a younger couple represents that there is still hope for the future. Joseph and Mary epitomise a dynamic generation of younger people who are not bowing their knees to the gods of pessimism, secularism and pluralism.
Their commitment to Biblical ethics and God-infused creativity is reflected in the lives of scores of young entrepreneurs, dynamic Christians and those who are making a positive contribution to our society.
Our many positive youth tell us that despite the darkness caused by international terrorism, climate change, and life-threatening diseases, there is still hope. Not only can our youth conceive seminal ideas, but like Joseph and Mary can give birth to hope in the midst of despair.
May the seniors of our society recognise, like Zechariah and Elizabeth, that they still have much to offer humanity. Like Joseph and Mary, may our youth employ their creativity to be productive and not destructive.
Above all, may all Barbadians seek God for guidance during these difficult times with the confidence that with Christ, there is always hope, not only in this season, but all year through.
Have a hope-filled Christmas and God’s favour for 2015!
