The Tribune

By Bishop Delton Fernander

My Brothers and Sisters,

We are numbered among the blessed to be able to experience another Christmas season, as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. During this time, His birth and ultimate sacrifice should be foremost in our minds. As we move about shopping and enjoying other festivities we should be mindful of the true value of life and the need for us to foster a sense of community within our country which extends beyond our comfort zones and doorsteps.

I think that we can all agree that 2019 is a year the many Bahamians will not soon forget. We have witnessed great tragedy and great generosity. We have experienced great challenges, some we overcame and others we are still grappling with. There are many of us who have lost loved ones and all of our earthly material possessions. Some Bahamians are fighting to keep their heads above water financially wondering where the next dollar will come from. Some of us are challenged in our health and need a touch from the healing hands of God. Yet still there are some of us who have been blessed beyond measure this year. No matter what circumstance you find yourself in we all have something for which we can show God our gratitude.

Hurricane Dorian was obviously the largest and most impactful event to happen in The Bahamas this year. This category five storm hovered over the islands of Abaco and Grand Bahama in September taking many lives and causing millions of dollars in damage. Because of this, there are Bahamians who find themselves back at the starting line after having worked their entire lives to build their homes and acquire other material possessions. This Christmas will not be the same as previous ones in the hearts and minds of those who have suffered such great loss. My advice to them in this time is to still celebrate in whatever way they can. There may not be extravagant Christmas gifts or a tree this year but there is still life, health, strength, faith and hope. These are the fundamentals on which greatness is built. The same God that helped you get where you were before the storm is the same God that can do it again bigger and better after the storm.

It is easy to get caught up in the commercialisation of the holidays and forget what really matters. We place undue pressure on ourselves to purchase expensive gifts and to outdo one another with festivities. It seems that we give everyone a gift except Jesus. Our gift to Him should be reflected in what we do for the least among us and what we do in His name. This year we should give the gift of volunteering to help rebuild Abaco and Grand Bahama in whatever way we can.

As a country, we must resolve to get back to the business of nation building. We must reaffirm our commitment to march together to our common loftier goal. Our best and brightest minds must be engaged to solve the issues we face. Those of us that name the name of Jesus and have the talent to lead for a better future should see our national challenges as a clarion call to service. We have a country that has boundless potential which can be developed to the benefit of Bahamians. The need for the reconstruction of the second and third cities of our nation presents us with great opportunity if we are willing to let God be our guide and think outside of the box.

God’s immense grace and mercy has allowed us to see the end of another decade and the beginning of a new one. With that new beginning comes immeasurable hope which along with faith is all we need to move forward because Philippians 4:13 teaches us that we call do all thing through Christ who strengthens us.

In this season, I wish for all the peace that passes all understanding. When you know that God has you in the palm of his hand you can move forward through adversity and you can celebrate and praise when your circumstances dictate despair. It is my hope that you will use this season to spend time with family and spread the love to mankind that God has shown to us by sending His son to be born in a lowly manger and die an agonizing death on a cross.

On behalf of the Bahamas Christian Council, I wish every Bahamian a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I invite you to visit the church of your choice this holiday.

May God continue to bless you and may God bless the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.