There is hope: A Christmas and end of year message

“But the angel said, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” (Luke 2:10)

The first Christmas message, which announced the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ, was delivered first hand by the angel as good news, not just for the first recipients, but also for all people, including us here and now. It is a message of hope that comes with calming us down and urging us not to be afraid of whatever we may be passing through. Christmas is about great joy, for the Lord, Omnipotent, Omniscient and All-loving is come. As Isaiah proclaimed in advance, the birth of Jesus Christ brings hope and light through the tunnel, as the end to the prevalent darkness and despair is clearly seen (Isa. 9:1-2).

The socio-economic and political condition in the country is obviously not a pleasant one and is even worsening and seemingly helpless. Too many evils are bedeviling our nation at the same time, all constituting insecurity and anxiety.

The polity is becoming increasingly volatile with no end in sight. Armed robbery, kidnapping, human trafficking, ritual killings, murder, drugs, alcoholism, rape, immorality, greed, dishonesty, and political corruption in high places are running rampant. Economically, things are really hard and are even getting worse for many families. More and more marriages are ending on the rocks of divorce and their families are broken up like floundering ships.

As the year is ending, there are many who wonder how they are able to make it this far, and if they will continue to survive. The future appears bleak. Naturally and rationally, many of us are, understandably, scared, lost and hopeless. Even the tiny glimmer of hope continues to fade ever more, as the haunting atmosphere appears to be getting worse.

However, the good news is that, with the birth of Jesus Christ, God Himself has come among us and will surely intervene in our matters and make things right. We should not lose hope and faith in God. The truth is that it would have been worse, if not for the Lord Who has sustained us this far. He cannot leave us at this point. We need to continue to look unto Him for an assured better tomorrow. So, as we celebrate this Christmas and end the year, let us visualise a better country ahead, in view of what the Lord has already started doing.

Wishing you a merry Christmas and a prosperous and happy New Year.

The Venerable Dr Princewill Onyinyechukwu Ireoba, FIMC, CMC is the Rector, Ibru International Ecumenical Centre, Agbarha-Otor, Delta State.

princewillireoba@gmail.com, trinityfoundationibrucentre@gmail.com