A Christmas message
Published December 7, 2007
As we are fast approaching Christmas, I thought it be appropriate to write about this coming holiday season. Christmas is a time for family and friends, sharing of hospitality and the exchanging of gifts. Though what I have mentioned is extremely important, Christmas to me has a deeper meaning.
We should not lose sight of what the real meaning of Christmas is. To that end, we must go back over 2000 years when God sent his son Jesus; not to condemn us but to redeem us. When Jesus lived among us he did not preach religion but relationships. If we examine why he was sent and what his purpose was we would see that he preached a message of love, acceptance, self sacrifice, compassion, kindness, understanding, respect and perhaps the most powerful one, forgiveness.
As we approach this and go through this holiday season, I would encourage us all to contemplate Jesus' message. As we go about our busy lives we sometimes lose sight of what life and living is all about. We are quick to condemn, quick to judge, quick to anger and at times, slow to forgive. Can you imagine what the world would be like if all of us, in our own way, tried to emulate how Jesus lived. Think of all the anguish and heartache that would not happen. Think of all the wars that would not occur. Think of the peaceful and wonderful lives we would live in peaceful and wonderful communities.
We are not perfect people and I know that about myself better than anyone. Yet, if we can grasp, understand and apply Jesus' message throughout our daily lives, I can assure you that we as a society would be transformed. Perhaps the greatest transformation happens when we believe what is perhaps the most powerful message the Bible sends in John 3:16 of which I am sure many are familiar:
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.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of you a most happy and blessed Christmas and my hope is that you have a most wonderful time with your family and friends. I would ask that the Lord bless you and keep you, that He would make His face shine upon you and that He fill you with peace and happiness.
Peter Wlodarczak
Councillor, Ward 4
780-464-8146
wlodarczak@strathcona.ab.ca
Last updated: Tuesday, March 23, 2010
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