Dearly Beloved,
His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation (Lk. 1:50, NIV)
Christmas is a season for remembering the birth of Jesus Christ, who is God’s solution to human fallenness, failure and fear. This period also coincides with the end of the year as we look forward to the dawn of another year.
Around this time, not a few Christians will visit the prayer camps/centres. People visit some so-called prophets for them to foretell what the future holds as far as the coming year is concerned. Some Christians tend to be panicky about the coming year – dreams become important, foretelling becomes a desire. The fear that drives people to seek such help ends up making them “slaves” to false prophets, fetishes, mallams and their demands.
But Jesus was born to save us from our enemies and from those who hate us. He has been merciful to our ancestors by remembering his sacred covenants to our ancestor, Abraham (Lk. 1:70-71, NIV).
Thus, what Christians need to do is walk in the fear of God – and not to be afraid of the future. Mary declares “His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation” (Lk. 1:50, NIV). Kind David seems to agree with this when he said, The LORD confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them (Ps. 25:14, NIV), and that, “his eyes are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love (Ps. 33:18, NIV). David further teaches that the angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. Such people will lack nothing (Ps. 34:7-9).
As we celebrate Christmas, and look forward to a new year, I wish to remind you that the birth of Jesus and our acceptance of his Lordship has brought us deliverance from our enemies. All we need now, is to fear the Lord and a generational blessing is guaranteed. We need to move confidently into the coming year knowing that those who fear him lack nothing.
Let us with a gladsome heart sing together with Mary in praise of our king – that his mercy extends to those who fear him from generation to generation. Amen!!!
Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year to you!!!
Yours in His service,
Eric Kwabena Nyamekye (Apostle)
Chairman, The Church of Pentecost
