In the Presbyterian Moderator’s Christmas Message, Rt Rev Dr Charles McMullen, has spoken of the profound uncertainty that encapsulates the times that we are living through saying that we are in need of a better story. He says,
“So many stories in this world cause confusion, division, brokenness and pain. The different, better story of Jesus Christ reminds us of what is transcendent and replaces darkness and hatred with light and love.
He also talks of the simple message emblazoned on two Advent banners that hang in his own church, and how their simple message proclaims something special, a different story to hold on to: ‘Unto us a child is born’ and “Emmanuel – God with us’.
Read the full text of the Presbyterian Moderator’s Christmas Message for 2018 below –
A better story
‘We are living in days of profound uncertainty. Perhaps one word encapsulates it – Brexit – particularly in relation to its outworking on both parts of our island home. Political pundits, media commentators, all of us in our own conversations have painted various pictures of what Brexit will ultimately look like and what will actually happen next year – and yet it still remains an ongoing story.
A Canadian friend of mine mentioned some different kinds of pictures a few years ago – murals. He described his guided tour of this genre of Belfast artwork as a ‘sobering experience’. He spoke of a deep-rooted storyline painted and repainted so that each new generation could learn it by heart. The heroes and martyrs of one side, the villains and betrayers of the other. His conclusion was the images on the walls recalled the past but also, perhaps, determined the future.
This year the retelling of stories from the First World War in a more inclusive manner culminated as we marked the centenary of the Armistice. It has been significant and healing now that the sacrifice from every part of Ireland has been highlighted and not simply airbrushed out of history. I had the privilege of speaking at a moving service which remembered the many Irish recipients of the Victoria Cross. Sadly, however, war is still an overall story of human loss and pain.
Whatever the story of the day, all sections of Irish society – north and south, east and west – are in need of a different and a better story.
Two thousand years ago the angels punctured an equally dark sky and stilled the beating hearts of terrified shepherds as they announced good news that would bring great joy for all the people: “Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10).
Followers of Christ have not always lived out the Good News in the way that they ought, reflecting instead division, sectarianism and harsh attitudes.
However, generations of Christian pilgrims and disciples have been inspired to take the Gospel of Jesus Christ from what was once known as the ‘land of saints and scholars’ to the very ends of the earth. Saints have included those who have been martyred and those who have lived a life of love in quiet obedience to their Lord.
They all displayed the unconditional love and the absolute truth of the One who came into this world, died on a Cross and rose again, so that those who believe in him might have life in all its fullness.
Recently in Belfast I had the pleasure of meeting and listening to Rev Dr Yohanna Katanacho, Professor of Biblical Studies at Bethlehem College, describe his story as a Palestinian Israeli Evangelical Christian. His rich Arab Christian background and his ability to speak both Arabic and Hebrew have pushed him, he said, “to be a peacemaker and messenger of love as well as justice in a country that is full of segregation and hatred.”
So many stories in this world cause confusion, division, brokenness and pain. The different, better story of Jesus Christ reminds us of what is transcendent and replaces darkness and hatred with light and love.
In the rush to Christmas it can sometimes pass us by. The oft heard story, familiar to all, but forgotten by many, is a wonderful, hope-filled and eternal story that God Himself wrote for you and me.
In these days there is a better story and to enable us to live out its pages, I am reminded of two banners that hang this Advent at the front of Bangor West Presbyterian Church, where I minister. Their simple message proclaims something special, something for us to hold on to: “Unto us a child is born” and “Emmanuel – God with us”.
This Christmas I hope and pray that you too are reminded of this better story. May you know his rich and abundant blessing – Happy Christmas!’
Rt Rev Dr Charles McMullen
Moderator
Presbyterian Church in Ireland
