Christian greetings from St. Francis Chapel Makerere University in the name of our God, the source of all blessings! As Chaplain, it gives me great delight to share this Christmas message with the broader community through this digital platform, The Legacy. Historically, Makerere University has undeniably shaped the spiritual lives of both alumni and members of the community. Indeed, as the leading institution of holistic transformation in the country, Makerere University places a premium on the spiritual formation of its community. I therefore, invite you to join with me in this reflection on the significance of Christmas, and to understand the spirit that we all ought to embrace and share with all, both near and far.
Rev. Dr. Lydia Nsaale Kitayimbwa, Chaplain, St. Francis Chapel Makerere University
The Christmas spirit is rooted in the scripture written by prophet Isaiah: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of peace (Isaiah 9:6).” Isaiah wrote this prophecy about 800 years before Christ came into Israel. It was at the time when the Assyrians were forcefully taking many people into captivity. This prophecy encouraged and gave the Israelites hope that one day the Son would come and deliver them from all torments. Therefore, the greatest gift to the world is the gift of the Son. At this point, the question that might arise is “who gave?” It is stated in the Bible that, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).” Thus, the Christmas spirit is rooted in God giving His very best to the world.
I do not know of any mother or father in the world that would give away their son to anyone. It is truly amazing that our God could give His only son to the world. But, why did God do so? It is stated that, “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him, (John 3:17).” God gave His Son that everyone may be saved from death and personal destruction and instead experience eternal life and divine blessings. This Gift of the Son given to humanity comes with other special gifts such as divine guidance, divine peace, divine family and divine life.
Therefore, as we celebrate this Christmas, we need to know the reason for the celebration, which is the special gift of the Son that was given to the world. The Son of God, the gift we focus on this season was/is not only a special gift to the world, but was given for a special assignment. Let us examine further why the Son of God came and what He came to accomplish for us, with the hope that we too shall be motivated to accomplish our respective assignments.
The Gift of the Son our Wonderful Counselor
Isaiah writes predicting the coming gift of the Son of God as a Wonderful Counselor to the people of the earth. Matthew Henry, a 17th Century preacher known for his commentary on the Bible states that Jesus Christ is considered a Wonderful Counselor because being counseled by God, He too gives great counsel to His people. While on earth, Jesus Christ demonstrated His attribute as a Wonderful Counselor in several ways. He was available and always willing to help His people. He prayed and is still praying for His followers. He reached out to and listened to the poor and less privileged people. His Wonderful Counselor attribute was demonstrated further when He touched and healed all that were sick and demon-possessed. He constantly touched people everywhere He went, which enabled them to appreciate how God expected them to live and behave. Additionally, His teaching sessions welcomed everyone without segregation and restrictions. He also loved His enemies and forgave all that offended him, most especially those that nailed him to the cross.
Ultimately, the wonderful counselor is ready to guide, inspire and accommodate everyone that comes to Him. He cares for our welfare and holds extraordinary counsel for everyone. He is eagerly waiting for everyone to consult Him and receive free and wonderful counseling. Thereafter, the Wonderful Counselor desires that we pay forward all that He performs in us and for us, so that we solve the problems in our society. This Christmas season, the call to you is that you acquire divine counsel, wisdom and guidance so that you in turn guide and point others to the divine source of wisdom and guidance, especially those at crossroads. As a professional, this Christmas season you ought to share the knowledge, wisdom and guidance with those in need according to their level of understanding and context. Remember, people perish for lack of knowledge (Hosea 4:6). As an educated citizen, you are privileged to have an understanding and comprehension of concepts and theories and therefore, uniquely positioned to give back to your community this Christmas season.
The Gift of the Son our Prince of Peace
Isaiah the prophet mentions that the Wonderful Counselor is also the Prince of Peace. Peace in the Hebrew language is “shalom”, which is the state of calmness and tranquility of any person, family and country. How can one experience the peace the Son brings in a World raging with wars and storms? According to Isaiah, true peace is brought to the World by the Prince of Peace, the Son given to us by God. Jesus Christ comes to restore divine peace/harmony between God and man, which results in lasting peace even in the midst of challenges. Divine peace is the binding peace between man and God, which cannot be taken away. Jesus Christ desires that everyone lives in harmony and fellowship with God, as Adam did in the Garden of Eden before sin came into the picture (Genesis 3). Experiencing the peace of God results in living at peace with self and people in this war-torn world.
“As long as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone (Romans 12:18).” When we remain in fellowship with the Son of God, we are free to ask for Peace, which we can later spread to others. Jesus said “My peace I give to you, not as the world gives, but I freely give to you (John 14:27).” The peace we need this Christmas is already freely given. As a recipient of this peace, you too ought to freely share it with others, making it a point to live at peace with everyone that comes to you. Although individuals, families and the nation have faced challenges related to the coronavirus, unemployment, economic and political instability as well as conflicts, we can work towards rebuilding and promoting tranquility. Through divine peace from God, the inner peace with self and fellow men is experienced. Therefore, with God’s profound peace in the believer’s heart, peace can be extended to everyone to experience and share forward. This Christmas season, may the spirit of peace and the influence of the Prince of Peace motivate us to become ambassadors of peace, preach reconciliation, and call upon all people despite tribal differences and religious affiliation to live in harmony with each other.
The Gift of the Son our Everlasting Father
Isaiah presents the gift from God as the Everlasting Father, which in Hebrew means, Father of Eternity. The Son of God is therefore, the father of time and eternity. Bringing the words Father and Everlasting together is an indication that the Son is as Everlasting as the Father. Everlasting means eternal, which is without beginning and end. He is the Everlasting Father because his Fatherhood has no end; He will never cease to be. Since He lives forever, not even death can hold Him captive; the Son of God is as eternal as God the Father. Therefore, the Son is from all eternity with the Father and the Holy Spirit. God’s gift of the Son was, is and will forever be. According Colossians 1, the Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation, by Him all things were made, both in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones, or dominions, or principalities or powers. All things were created by Him and for Him.
As the Source and Father of Eternity and eternal life, the Son of God is a Life Giver; the life He gives is everlasting. With this reality, in Him the human race finds comfort and a sense of belonging. A line from Bill and Gloria Gaither’s song, states, “Because He lives, I can face tomorrow”. This gives an assurance to all that with the Everlasting Father, we can face all challenges. Since we have the gift of God, the source of eternal life, let us look to Him for all the things we need and hold on to Him in difficult situations. He is the everlasting one, who is touched by all temptations and challenges we face and always provides a way out. This Christmas season, it is therefore important that everyone boldly approaches the everlasting Father to obtain mercy and grace needed in times of crisis (Hebrews 4:16). The Son is waiting for you to come to Him and receive Him, so come to the source of everlasting life.
The Christmas spirit is about embracing the everlasting/eternal life through the Everlasting Father. Everyone is invited to be grafted into the divine family of God. He is waiting for you to come to Him at any time and especially in times of trouble and need. He is waiting to comfort and bless you. This Christmas season, eternal life is available to anyone that will receive the Son and cultivate a relationship with Him. This Christmas season, I call upon all of us not to let our differences divide us. On the contrary, let us affirm our similarities and contribute significantly to each other, our communities, our beloved nation and the world at large. As the red color in our National flag stands for brotherhood, this Christmas season I call upon you to strengthen the bond of brotherhood so as to destroy the dividing walls in our country.
Specifically, as we celebrate Christmas, I pray that you will promote the Christmas Spirit of divine counsel, peace, and eternal life everywhere you go. Furthermore, it is also crucial that we spread the spirit of family/brotherhood from the everlasting father. As we normally address God in The Lord’s prayer--“Our Father”, be reminded that we are all brothers and sisters as long as we embrace the Everlasting Father and father of all humanity.
Merry Christmas!
Rev. Dr. Lydia Nsaale Kitayimbwa,
Chaplain, St. Francis Chapel Makerere University
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