As we contemplate Christ this season, I have been drawn again and again to the words of an old carol, and have been inspired anew by the truth and message they present to us of the mission and purpose of Christ:

Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His Gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother
And in His Name all oppression shall cease.

When I reflect on the beauty of these words, they seem to me to bring together the essence of Christ: his teachings, his principles, his Good News for our lives, and his promise of a new world where peace and freedom overcome oppression and domination.

As we come to Christ, each born into a world of domination – constantly existing in a society that tells us we are insufficient – His message and Gospel proclaim that Christ breaks the chains of the oppressed, and that he brings peace to a hurting world; his law of love standing in such stark contrast to the law of greed, selfishness and pride that consumes so much of our lives.

In the midst of this season, may we each strive to be a part of the story of Christ, participating in his life and mission as a continuation of his incarnate body, rejoicing with those who rejoice, mourning with those who mourn, caring for those in need, listening to those around us. May our lives also be described by the words above – that we would bring Good News of peace to all we meet, inviting them to relationship with the Savior – a Savior not only of yesterday and tomorrow, but for today.

Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy Name!
Christ is the Lord! O praise His name forever!
His pow’r and glory evermore proclaim!