Emmanuel dealt
with the tension between the Christmas message of “Peace on Earth” and the
reality of a world torn apart by strife and of Christians frequently being persecuted
for their faith. He showed us how Jesus has already predicted this in his
teaching and of how Old Testament, “Men of Faith” had, before then, suffered
persecution and death.
He illustrated
the persecution of Christians by some of his experiences as he had travelled,
such as to South Sudan.
He explained how
we were involved in the battle between good and evil, between Christ and Satan.
That is seen both on the world stage and also in our daily lives. But
ultimately, we look forward to Christ’s reign of peace.
