All roads lead to Rome! It is a saying that has emanated from a time when Rome was the center of imperial power that ruled over a large empire. Human power usually needs centers where might may be displayed.
The Christmas story tells us that there was once “three wise men ” who also made a journey to a center of power called Jerusalem ( Matt 2:1-12 ). It was the center of political, economic and religious power under the Roman puppet Jewish king called Herod. The wise men went to Jerusalem with the hope of finding the “promised king”. They found none. Herod fearing a threat to his power massacred babies in the villages, in a vain display of brutal power.
The wise men were led instead to Bethlehem, which is located miles away from Jerusalem. There they found the promised child born to become a king, a king of love. They discovered God’s divine presence among the lowly and situated among the simple things in life.
CCM will soon operate from a new building. The temptation would be to take pride in the building as a symbol of power that depicts the power and prosperity of the churches to match up with other modern buildings in the country.
The Christmas story reminds us that God takes no pride in buildings devoid of hospitality, fellowship and sharing. To discover God’s presence all human space should be transformed into a “sanctuary of love”.
This the CCM will aspire to do. It is hoped that the new building will serve as a “Bethlehem” of sorts, where people from all walks of life will discover God’s presence and enabling grace in the context of ecumenical fellowship. It should become the “inn” for ecumenical encounters.
In the course of the year, during the construction of the building CCM has been blessed by the generous gifts of many “wise men and women” who have donated to our project, sharing in our vision that the ecumenical center will be a place of blessing for the churches seeking deeper unity. For their gifts we are deeply grateful.
In the same spirit, CCM wishes that all who celebrate Christmas this year will be able to transform their homes into “sanctuaries of love” fit for the in-dwelling of Christ in their hearts. Where there is giving and receiving, where there is loving fellowship, and where there is appreciation for the simple things in life that really matter, there the presence of God’s love will be felt.
May God bless you with an auspicious visitation of the Christ child in your hearts this Christmas and may the coming year offer you many blessed moments of God’ s special touch of love.
Merry Christmas and
a Happy New Year!
The Executive Committee of CCM
