DO YOU HEAR WHAT I HEAR?

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

I love the sounds of Christmas. Every year I listen to Christmas music on my car radio as I travel. I especially enjoy the sacred hymns such as, "O Holy Night," "Silent Night," and "Do you Hear what I Hear."

The sounds of Christmas can also be heard at Church. Beginning early in December and extending until late in the month, we make good use of the Christmas section in our hymnals. Almyra and I love to attend both the church school concerts and our college, Burman University, Christmas concerts.

The sounds of Christmas began some 2000 years ago when Mary heard the sound of the voice of the Angel announce to her that she would be the mother of the Messiah.

Jesus came to bring Joy and Hope to all people. He asks that His church people remember the many who need to have a friend at this time of year.

A few months later the shepherds would be serenaded by the angel choirs announcing Jesus’ birth. The shepherds would then travel to the Inn and hear the sounds of the animals feeding in the stable.

Besides these sounds that we remember with fondness and joy, there are also sounds of sadness. The recognition of Jesus coming as a newborn King and Saviour brought about undesirable consequences. King Herod in an attempt to maintain his leadership and authority, commanded the death of all children under the age of two.

There could be heard throughout the land unimaginable anguish and a flood of tears as parents would have to stand by as their children were taken from them. There would be the tears of Joseph and Mary as they would be forced from their homes to flee to Egypt.

This reminds me that Christmas is both a time of joy and a time of sadness. Christmas is a time of sorrow for those who have lost loved ones and they are no longer with them during the festive season. Others spend this season alone because of living by themselves or away from home. Some are newly divorced and hear only the sounds of silence.

The Bible always shares the full story. While there is sorrow in this world during the Christmas season, we are told that God shares our sorrow. Jesus came to bring joy and hope to all people. He asks that His church people remember the many who need to have a friend at this time of year. We are to reach out and remind them that God cares, and we care. Who knows, perhaps the sounds they hear this Christmas will turn their sorrow into rejoicing.

Gary Hodder, President, Alberta Conference