Rejoice, and Again I say Rejoice (Philippians 4:4)
by Rolando Sosa Granados
Greetings to our beloved brothers and sisters in Indiana and Michigan Conference. Greetings from our beloved Savior and Lord Jesus Christ, in whom we have the promises of a better world, and from your servants in the Ministerial Leadership Team (MLT).
It is not a surprise for any of us that we are in the height of the Christmas season. We find ourselves making all kind of preparation to celebrate with family and friends. Many of us are playing and/or singing Christmas carols, some sacred ones and some other not so sacred but still meaningful and fun, like It’s The Most Wonderful Time of The Year. Andy Williams reminds his listeners that Christmas is not only the most wonderful time of the year but also the happiest seasons of all. With a contagious melody and his beautiful and magical voice, Williams invites his listener to be of good cheer. The singer asserts his listeners that there will be parties for hosting and marshmallows for toasting and caroling out in the snow…
But how could we be of good cheer when there is so much suffering in our midst and in our world? How could I rejoice when in our own country we are divided into partisan politics and nativism which has led us to grow into an intolerant society and see our neighbor, not as our fellow human being, my brother /my sister, but as my enemy? How could I be of good cheer when my brothers and sister in Ukraine are suffering, and Christmas seems to vanish from the mind of the innocent child that only wishes that Saint Nick will not forget to visit his/her home? I wonder if the Ukrainian children this year would trade their toys and cookies in exchange for peace to come to their land… I bet they would. How could I celebrate and be of good cheer when a prolonged pandemic—COVID—and uncertainties in the economy cause me to be anxious? How could I be of good cheer…? Can I be of good cheer…? A resounding yes!