LIBERIA – Former President of Liberia Council of Churches (LCC) says Christians betray the meaning of Christmas when they focus on lighting Christmas trees but live contrary lives; saying Christmas is the Thanksgiving service meant to celebrate the birth of Lord Jesus Christ. And it’s a reflection of love and sacrifice, commitment and dedication.
He says: “Christmas is about sharing our lives for the benefit of others. St. Matthew 1:21 says “and she shall bring forth a son and thou shall call His name Jesus for He shall save His people from their sins”.
Speaking at a two-day (Saturday, December 24, and Sunday, December 25) Special Christmas Candlelight and Thanksgiving service at New Water in the Desert Apostolic Pentecostal Church in Brewerville, Montserrado County, Bishop Kortu K Brown, bemoaned the current state of the people of Liberia emphasizing the need to light the Christmas Life and not the Christmas Tree.
Bishop Brown called on Liberians to stop the current upsurge in hatred, envy, jealousy, lies, etc. that are permeating every fabric of Liberian life.
The former LCC President reminded Liberians that the presidential and legislative elections are coming again for candidates who don’t mean anything to divide the people for nothing.
“Since we started electing lawmakers, have you seen any real change in your lives”, the congregation responded by saying “no”.
Adding, “Liberians are switching their Christmas lights on but not their Christmas Life. Put on your Christmas Life. The fruit of the Spirit is love, peace, joy, long-suffering, etc.”, he said, adding, “you keep all the grudges right in your community with your neighbors and lightning the Christmas Tree. Where is the Christmas Life”.
He called on Liberian State not only to light the Christmas Tree but to show love, care, and concern for the people. “When we light the tree, we should be concerned that people are going to bed, hungry without food to eat even on Christmas Day. We must practice the true meaning of Christmas”, Bishop Brown added.
