The New Testament narratives of the birth of Jesus in the ghetto of Nazareth in the town of Bethlehem and through many centuries has been a message directly to society and speaks to our modern age and encapsulates the sustainable development goals (SDGs), a political instrument for human development and economic growth.
A Baby born in poverty (Goal 1), became a refugee in Egypt and grew up as an example of change human history (Goal 10) and created a pathway to God for all humankind. Isaiah the prophet (Isaiah 9:6-7) acknowledged him as the King, Wonderful Counselor, Prince of Peace and Everlasting Father.
We as Christians are blessed by the mysteries around his birth in the manger and wise men coming to worship Him and offer gifts, but most importantly is the history surrounding His ministry teaching, acknowledging His painful and worthwhile death and the celebration of His resurrection that makes us who we are and the power we have received.
As a nation and people, Liberians have celebrated the peace that Jesus leaves with us for many years but still challenge to live with the reality of not actualizing the component of the peace that relates to justice (Goal 16). We have abused each other, humiliated and deprived our brethren of their rights to life, rendered injustice and squandered the resources of all to benefit just a few. We continue to live in the attitude of impunity and want forgiveness to be rendered when in fact the attitude of repentance is not showing.
As the Church of Liberia, we have much to celebrate remembering the birth of Jesus, our humble King. It is time we celebrate our gains making sure that peace and sanity is sustained in Liberia amidst the challenges of how political powers are handled and used. We must stand for the transformation of life and give our people the message of hope and peace aware of the challenges we faced.
We must continue to engage our political powers to remember the foundation of the Nation and principles of governance formation, admonishing us to be like Christ according to James message of tolerance”, if anyone sins we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus the righteous for He is the propitiation for our sins and not for ours only, but for the sins of the whole world”.
Our message to the Church and Liberians today worldwide is revealed in II Chronicle 7:14, “If my people who are called by my name will repent of their sins, humble themselves, pray, seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I God will hear their cry and heal the land”. Let us repent, seek humility, be prayerful, worship God in Spirit and Truth, and resist evil so that we will enjoy the true meaning of our national anthem “with God above our rights to prove we will overall prevail”
Let us preach the message of reconciliation and justice. Let us support the pro-poor agenda which is encapsulated in the church mission when Jesus declares reading the scroll of Isaiah “the Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, and He has anointed me to preach the Gospel to the Poor”………..
Yes, we believe that Jesus’ birth is not a myth or story, but a reality that He came to reconcile us back to God, He is not a child again but a savior and God making sure that our world is renewed and transformed and our relationship with God can be more stronger and relationship with our fellow brethren can be enhanced.
The Liberia Council of Churches and the Christian Church in ecumenical collaboration want to share the message of angels and shepherds of peace and goodwill to all humankind, Good tidings we bring to you and your family, tidings of Christmas and a Happy New Year.
This is a time we can focus on family reunion, live a life of peace, and stand for justice, eschewed evil and do good. Share this moment with gifts with your friends, family and love ones. This is a time to forgive someone who has rendered unto your evil, give a hug of Christmas; remember in gratitude those working in the hospitals, nursing homes, churches, media, civil society, classrooms, prisons and others in public services for their contribution to humanity. You continue to remain a memory in our hearts.
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy Prosperous New year.
Bishop Kortu K. Brown, PRESIDENT, LIBERIA COUNCIL OF CHURCHES
Bishop D. Jensen Seyenkulo, 1st Vice President, LIBERIA COUNCIL OF CHURCHES
Rev. Dr. Olu Q. Menjay, 2nd Vice President, LIBERIA COUNCIL OF CHURCHES
Rev. Christopher Wleh Toe, I., General Secretary, LIBERIA COUNCIL OF CHURCHES
Rev. Deborah D. Toe, Treasurer, LIBERIA COUNCIL OF CHURCHES