Christmas a reminder that “God is with us”

By Sarafina Sanerivi 28 December 2016, 12:00AM

Christmas can be a great reminder for a lot of things.

For the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa, the theme for this year’s Bible Reading for Christmas is “Emmanuel.” It translates to God is with us.

This was echoed through a celebration held at the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa at Faletagaloa Safune on Saturday night. 

Through skits, singing, dancing and role-plays by the Sunday school, the message were a reminder that God is always with us along the way.

Reverend Vaueli Sanerivi reminded the congregation that we shouldn’t worry about anything in life because God is and will always be with us.

“In the Christmas story Joseph and Mary faced a great deal of uncertainty, so do we,” said Reverend Vaueli. 

“Life is full of uncertainty; it’s a scary world with all the challenges and obstacles. And we look ahead to 2017; there will be more challenges to overcome. We will not always sing “Joy to the World” when we face all the challenges or when we think about all the difficulties we have to overcome. This next year doesn’t leave me with much confidence.

“But the Christmas story is an annual reminder of the faithfulness of God in uncertain times. 

“Think of the uncertainties that bombarded the mind of Joseph. He was not sure if Mary was going to make it all the way to Bethlehem. He was not sure about how Mary got pregnant. 

‘Think about it, it was not part of his plan to marry Mary, but God interrupted their lives and Mary showed up out of the blue with the news that she was found with a child of the Holy Spirit and that they had to raise the child together. How much uncertainty do you read into this verse, Mathew 1:19?

“Joseph is described as a “just man”. He wanted to do the right thing. He wanted to please God. He wanted to protect Mary. If I was God, I would have done things differently. I would have laid out the whole plan to Joseph beforehand in order to relieve him of any anxiety. 

“But God purposely keeps us in the dark for a while. Even death is designed that way. It’s the ultimate uncertainty that we all must face, and God keeps us in the dark until after it happens.”

He went on to say that life’s uncertainties are inevitable, but God uses them to show forth is faithfulness to us.

“Often when we least expect it; when our hearts are filled with fear and uncertainty, God reveals His plan. He reveals your role in His plan. Have you ever been filled with uncertainty and God shows you the bigger plan? Suddenly it all makes sense why you lost your job; had to move; or had a falling out with a friend. You look back and say, “God, you were so faithful.”  “The Christmas story is immersed in uncertainty. Think about it, God came to us as a Baby and not a gladiator or superhero! He was cared for by a poor carpenter and not a king. God made Himself vulnerable in a broken-down farmhouse amid one of the most bloodthirsty dictatorships of all time. 

“All of the challenges that bring you uncertainty are no match for the faithful God who resides within you. In conclusion, he said, “I’m certain Joseph and Mary felt inadequate for thetask and ill-equipped for the challenges set before them. They didn’t know the future, nor did they understand the full significance of their role. 

“What about you? Do you feel inadequate, ill-equipped and insignificant? The uncertainty is God’s gift, you know; unwrap it and you will find His faithfulness.

“Do not worry about anything in life for God is and will always be with us.”

By Sarafina Sanerivi 28 December 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

Upgrade to Premium

Subscribe to
Samoa Observer Online

Enjoy unlimited access to all our articles on any device + free trial to e-Edition. You can cancel anytime.

>