Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,
In these post-pandemic days, still filled with unrest and conflict, we come to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ anew. Each year, as we remember the birth of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, we are reminded that true peace does not come from the deceitfulness and guile of sinners, but from the Savior who is willing to enter our world and our lives.
The prophet Isaiah said “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isa 9:6). Today the world remains full of turbulence: disease, war, economic pressure, family tension, spiritual weariness and more. Yet Christmas reminds us that God has not abandoned us. He is not merely watching from afar; He personally became flesh and entered our chaos to bring rest to our souls and true peace.
The message of Christmas is that God is with us (Immanuel). He is with the weak, with the lonely, with those seeking direction, with those walking in darkness. Whatever challenges, tears, or burdens you have gone through this year, the Lord speaks to you again at Christmas: “Do not be afraid, for I am with you.”
Therefore, this Christmas is not only a celebration, but also an invitation:
— An invitation to look to Christ again, that the weary may find strength;
— An invitation to return to God, that the lost may regain direction;
— An invitation to love one another, that Christ’s light may shine through our lives into our communities and our nation.
May we pause amidst the busyness of this season to hear the proclamation of the angels: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests!” (Luke 2:14) True peace is not the absence of storms, but the presence of Jesus. True joy is not having everything go smoothly, but knowing that God will never forsake us.
May this Christmas fill your home with love, your heart with hope, and your life’s direction in the way of the Lord. Let us carry the light of Christ to become a blessing in our nation, messengers of peace in our communities, and voices of hope in our families.
Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas, overflowing with grace, and may the peace of the Lord rest upon your household!
Rt Rev (Dr) Caleb Soo
Vice President
16 Dec 25