"Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him."
And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. (Matt 2:2, Gal 6:9)
You are warmly welcome! Happy New Year! No doubt there are exciting growth opportunities in store for you this year; position yourself to take advantage of them with godly stewardship.
We always begin the year with the observance of a Revival Week this month. The Head of Laity led in taking stock of last year’s activities, and we thank God for the achievements and progress; however, we also recognize areas that need boosting or reawakening, and these will be the focus during this revival season. You are welcome to participate in pointing to us those areas – whether prayer programs, pastoral care, community outreach, leadership and ministry development or personal matters that need pastoral attention. During this season, the Chapel will be open for night prayers every Friday. This revival effort is worth it since spiritual health is key to enjoying God’s goodness in your life.
As we delve into the theme of the year – Imitating God’s Goodness by doing Good – the Feast of Epiphany provides a clear window for the world to see God’s goodness. Here we remember the revelation of the Messiah to the Gentiles, and we keenly observe the wise men that came from the East to worship the new born King Jesus. It is clear that God chose the Israelites, and gave them preferential treatment over the other nations. Indeed, kingdoms and cultures came and went, but the Israelites are still here thousands of years later; they survived Nebuchadnezzar, Nero, Hitler and many other persecutions. That blessing is observable in their long history, their wisdom and innovativeness, their resilience and unbreakable spirit – all these deeply rooted in the strong heritage established on the foundation of God’s blessing. But is God good only to his first-born the Israelites?
From the prophecies in their scriptures, the Israelites were waiting for the Messiah, and word went around that He had been born. As an adult, Jesus Christ also showed his focus and concentration on the Israelites and vehemently resisted a Canaanite’s prayer request. However, Epiphany is a great window for us to observe that God’s goodness is to all people. He provided the star that guided the wise men from the East to come and find the Messiah, and worship Him. Jesus Christ also commissioned his disciples to be witnesses and spread the good news beyond Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria – to the uttermost ends of the earth.
Doing good is easy when it is for a short time or among familiar people. God’s goodness that we should imitate goes to all people and for a long time. Think about it, and consider stretching beyond your current limits, and imitate God’s goodness by doing good to all. God bless you!
Rev. Eng. Dr. Emmanuel Mwesigwa – CHAPLAIN