Devon DickON SUNDAY, Sharon, a former employee of the Bureau of Standards, was buried. A couple of Wednesdays before, she was shot and killed on Twefix Crescent. The night before her death, she was by my gate and I had only waved, acknowledging her, because I was trying to be on time for the reception being hosted by Arnett Gardens FC for the football teams playing in the Caribbean Football Club Championships, where I was asked to bless the occasion. However, the reception started an hour late and if I had known that would have been the last time I was to see Sharon, I would have spent some time and talked with her.
As we prepare for Christmas in the hustle and bustle of buying things and going to functions, let us spend some time with persons.
The first and the last time I spoke with Sharon was six weeks ago when my family hosted a dinner for my goddaughter who had recently graduated from the University of the West Indies. Sharon brought a generous helping of shrimp that added class and taste to the menu. We sat at the table and ate and then we drank wine and shared good times in the living room. That was to be the last supper with Sharon. In the midst of life we are in death. And so, as we prepare for Christmas we must prepare to face death.
But while we are alive, we need to have a purpose in life. The desire should be not so much for long life but to complete our mission in life. We are to prepare for Christmas by preparing to meet Christ.
Christians must therefore re-double their efforts in proclaiming the gospel. It is the Christian's duty to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ and encourage persons to repent or change their lifestyles. Although we may not all have the same gifts and ministry, we all have at least one gift and we must use that gift to encourage people to prepare for Christ. John had a special gift from the holy spirit but there are no recorded miracles by him. However, Paul and Peter and others performed miracles.
We must make people sensitive to the gospel by making their hearts receptive and their attitudes ready for the Messiah's teaching. We must be praying for persons to receive and accept Christ. Jesus came into the world to save all people. Jesus belongs to all of us. It is said that the Indians have their gods in Hinduism, the Chinese had their gods in Confucianism, the Arabs have Allah and the Whites have Jesus so the Blacks need their own god. But the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is universal and is for all. Jesus is for all races, all cultures, all creeds, all classes, and all persons.
In addition, Jesus has a special heart for the poor and the bruised. He looks out for the oppressed, the victims and the victimised. He proclaims good news to the poor, freedom for the prisoners, sight for the blind and release for the oppressed. He takes side with the weak and the oppressed. This is not a gospel for the rich and the famous to maintain their lifestyle but it is for battered, bruised and depressed to be comforted.
As we approach Christmas, most of us are doing some house cleaning. We are sprucing up our homes by painting, removing the cobwebs, and putting up lights. But with all of that activity please make room for Jesus. He may come as one who is hungry, thirsty, homeless or naked; prepare for him. Prepare to give some comfort.
Christians must engage in a comforting ministry. When there is desolation, grief and mourning then there ought to be a word of comfort. Some people are carrying heavy burdens. Go alongside them and comfort them this Christmas. Remember the hungry, the lonely and the underprivileged. Comfort the less fortunate. A word or act of comfort may rescue the perishing and show care for the dying.
The ancient tax collectors showed no care for comfort of the people of their time as they took more than their fair share of taxes from them. Jamaicans feel overtaxed too. After approximately 30 per cent income tax and statutory deductions we are asked to pay 15 per cent GCT. This is too harsh and the government needs to overhaul the tax system to make it seem fair and just and to rescue the perishing. Our police force, a peace-making outfit need to be satisfied with their wages so that they may offer comfort to people and not harass or extort money from them as did the soldiers in the days of Jesus.
As you prepare for Christmas, you must prepare to find a new life in Christ, care for others and prepare for the inevitable death by inviting Christ into your lives.The Rev Devon Dick is pastor of the Boulevard Baptist Church.
