The holiday season is upon us this week.
Whether it is Hanukkah, Christmas, or the approaching new year, Maine House Republicans wish you and your loved ones all the best that the season has to offer.
This is Assistant House Republican Leader Amy Arata with the Weekly Republican Radio Address.
The message sent by God to Jewish shepherds on the first Christmas over 2000 years ago provides us with important lessons as we celebrate. Luke 2 says: And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them, and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day, in the City of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, and lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel, a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, good will toward men”.
Just as the shepherds were told not to fear, we also must remember not to fear the opportunities and responsibilities that we’ll be given in the coming year. Also note that this message was to ALL people. All races, all generations, all income levels, all political parties – God’s joyful message of peace and goodwill is for everybody.
The angel’s message reminds us to be humble. This message was announced first to people of low social status. Jesus, the King of the World, started out homeless, and the cleanest place available to lay him was in an animal’s food trough. Our society tells us to be proud of ourselves, but the message from God is to be humble.
In his first Christmas address as President, Ronald Reagan said:
“The Nativity story of nearly twenty centuries ago is known by all faiths as a hymn to the brotherhood of man. For Christians, it is the fulfillment of age-old prophesies and the reaffirmation of God’s great love for all of us. Through a generous Heavenly Father’s gift of His Son, hope and compassion entered a world weary with fear and despair and changed it for all time.”
Here in Maine, let us renew the spirit of kindness, love, peace, and good will to others in our hearts as we celebrate this holiday week, and approach 2023. Let us all commit to being better stewards of this planet, better with our relationships on earth, and strengthen our relationship with our Maker.
This has been Representative Amy Arata with the Weekly Republican Radio Address.
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