CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

“... His mercy is for those 
who fear Him from generation
to generation.” Luke 1:50

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

From the time of the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem many centuries ago, a profound message has gone out into the world. God is with us, and the heart of God is fully revealed to us in and through Jesus Christ. His birth was for the benefit of all humanity, and anyone can hold of the promises and blessings of God through faith in Jesus Christ.

No other passage captures the meaning of “Emmanuel” than in Mary’s song of the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-53). In that song, divine and human blessings are interwoven, to usher in a new era of righteousness and justice. Mary's song sets the tone to usher God’s visitation on earth – the lowly receive mercy and the ordinary people are lifted up by God and used for His highest purposes. Ordinary people such as Mary, Joseph and the Shepherds find themselves as God’s worthy instruments of change and salvation in the world. Righteousness and justice are manifested in the overturning of worldly patterns of power and oppression. The proud and powerful do not last; the lowly are exalted; the hungry are filled, and God’s mercy are towards those who act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God.

The CCM has responded to many challenges in the world and in our nation with the hope that God seeks to use us just like God chose Mary to be the “handmaiden of the Lord”.

We continue to pursue our building project with the faith that our new building will serve the community and be a blessing. We continue to engage in current issues in our country with the hope that peace and stability will go hand-in-hand with righteousness and justice. And we continue to stand in solidarity with those who are lowly in our world, “the poor, the victims of violence, the oppressed and the discriminated.”

CCM calls upon all Christians to celebrate Christmas by returning to the humility of those who surrounded the baby Jesus: Joseph and Mary, the Shepherds and the Wise men from the East. Jesus came to earth for us, and His coming means that we should live differently.

In all our family gatherings, our invitations to neighbours and friends, and in our shopping, we can try to overturn the worldly order, showing our joy in God’s love by expressing concern for those who are neglected and suffer in the world.

The Executive Committee wishes you all a blessed Christmas and a meaningful New Year