The Tribune

BY THE RT. REV’D. LAISH BOYD SR

“A Child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

One common feature of the modern world is cynicism, the view that nothing matters any more, nothing is important, everything is a waste of time, nothing is worth fighting for. Many people actually approach life from this perspective. The dictionary defines cynicism as the distrusting of the motives of others, having contempt for standards of honesty and morality, being bitter and sneering toward what others regard as good and wholesome. 

Many people are cynical because they have been hurt, disappointed or betrayed by someone, because they feel overwhelmed by life or by their circumstances, because they get no enjoyment out of life any more, or because life is simply not turning out the way that they expected it to turn out.

What a space to live in.

If you feel this way, then Christmas is for you because Christmas is about the love of God for the world and God sending his son because of that love.

The only way to counteract cynicism is with love. Love heals wounds, love mends broken hearts. Love reconnects what and been divided and restores trust.

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres,” states 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.

The love of Christ at Christmas can change lives and circumstances. The love that we show to others can do this. The love that others give to us can heal our own hurts and disappointments. Ask God to plant that love in your heart and then live out that love in the way that you live each day.

It is my earnest prayer that you experience the love of Christ at Christmas in some small way, and then that you pass it to someone. After all, “a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

The Anglican Diocese of the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands wishes one and all a blessed Christmas and a peaceful New Year.