My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, peace be with you!
As we reflect seriously on the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, may our hearts be filled with joy and our lives be deeply touched by God’s love. As your spiritual leader in the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe, I manifest my spiritual closeness and accompaniment in prayer to all of you this season of Christmas. I also wish that every family, home, Society, Circuit, District and Fellowship would live and share the memory of Jesus enshrined in peace, justice, unity, forgiveness, love, and joy.
Each year we hear the timeless story of the three wise men who set out on a long journey with only a star to guide their way. What tremendous trust they must have had in God, not to know where they were going, but to obey humbly and do as they were asked. What a powerful witness for each of us. May we follow God’s call in our lives with trust and obedience, so that at the end of our journey here on earth, we may embrace Jesus Christ, the Lord of Lords, and the King of Kings.
It is my hope and prayer that during this Christmas season and into the New Year, we place our relationship with the Lord as our highest priority and remain instruments of His peace, joy and light in our societies, homes, workplaces, and communities.
Let us be reminded of the words of Isaiah “The people who walk in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwell in the land of gloom a light has shone. For a child is born to us, a son is given us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counsellor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:2,6)
My brothers and sisters, we need to sear these words into our hearts and to trust in the goodness and power of God today, more than ever. In so many respects, we are not at all unlike the shepherds of Bethlehem or the people of Judah to whom Isaiah was sent. For all that we have been given in life, for all that we have accomplished as individuals and as a people, and for all that we dream and hope to experience for ourselves and those we love, we need the assurance of knowing that we are loved, that our lives matter, and that we have nothing to fear. We do not have much to fear from a world that seems to have gone awry. But for those of us who seek a way forward and who are wise enough to look at life with eyes of faith, the Word of God spoken by Isaiah the prophet reminds us that God is faithful, even when we are not. And we will be delivered from the brokenness of our world and our lives if only we place our trust in the Lord and walk in his ways.
In Conclusion, a light has shone brightly during darkness. Jesus, our Saviour, is among us and continues to walk our world and to fill hearts with hope and peace. As we reflect upon the heart of the Christmas message, let us set aside all fear and dread, for these do not befit men and women who are loved. Instead, let us experience the joy of encountering that grace which transforms all things. My friends, thank you for embracing the good news of Jesus’ birth. Thank you for living his Gospel in your generous service of one another even and especially in challenging times. And thank you for your openness to the merciful love of God, the only sure way to our salvation and peace.
As your servant in God’s vineyard, I pray for a holy and blessed Christmas for you, your family and all you hold dear. Take care of yourselves during this Christmas festive. The roads are very dangerous for those travelling. Allow God to take control of your journeys. The Lord is born for us! May He fill you with abundant blessings this Christmas and always. Merry Christmas to you all!
Presiding Bishop G.T. Mawire
Methodist Church: Hillside Circuit 