To:
From:
Date:
Pastors, Leading Elders, Board Members, Other Leaders, Members and Adherents
Jacob A. McLean, Chairman, MCAJ
December 19, 2021
RE: MCAJ Advent Communication 2021
On Saturday, December 25, 2021, the world will celebrate Christmas, the annual day memorializing the first advent of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. For those who don’t know Him personally through the experience of the salvation that He came to provide, the Christmas Season is just another time of celebration, just another holiday. For those who have accepted Him as the Light of the World, the Eternal Word and Redeemer of humanity, He is precious beyond words and is the cause of our rejoicing, regardless of the circumstances that we face.
2021 has been a most challenging year for our Denomination. We have experienced, like the rest of Jamaica, the hardships brought on by the COVID-19 Pandemic, the ravages of crime and violence, and the impacts of breakdown in the social order. On the other hand, we have risen to the challenges and have been most resilient. Without doubt, there is a renewal taking place in the MCAJ as demonstrated by our youth in the National Youth Month 2021 which culminated in the Youth Convention on November 28th. This was followed by our first National virtual Evangelistic Crusade, Christ for the Nation, November 28 – December 3rd, 2021.
There is much more that could be highlighted however, our focus at this time is the amazing miracle of the first advent of Jesus Christ. The prophet Isaiah foretold His coming with the immortal words of Isaiah 9:6-7, “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.“
This prophetic word by Isaiah has a double reference, it speaks of the first coming of Jesus Christ and predicts His second coming as well. While we celebrate His first advent, let us be very mindful of the second, which is imminent. He will change the world order and establish His everlasting kingdom of peace. Yes, the turmoil, wars, violence, poverty, and all evil will be banished forever when our Lord and Master sets up His kingdom.
As we celebrate His first advent and anticipate His coming again, give of your best in excellent service and loving of one another. Especially at this time, let the love God flow from your hearts by reaching out to those in need with love and compassion that demonstrate the real spirit of Christmas, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.“
Merry Christmas on behalf of the MCAJ!!