Monday, December 29, 2008

Christmas Message From The Ambassador


Embassy of the Philippines 4th Flr., Nedre Vollgate 4 0158 Oslo, Norway
Jurisdiction: Norway, Denmark & Iceland


MESSAGE FROM AMBASSADOR ELIZABETH P. BUENSUCESO



In the name of Him who is the real reason for the season, I send to you warm Christmas greetings on behalf of my family, the officers and staff of the Philippine Embassy, and the government of the Republic of the Philippines. I pray that the Lord would always bless you and keep you in His loving arms and that you welcome Him in your hearts and minds. I also pray that your Christmas celebration be a meaningful one, focused on the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, the Giver and Sustainer of our lives and the Star that guides us all in our lives here in Norway, Denmark and Iceland.

More than 750 years before He was born, the Messiah’s coming had been foretold by the prophet Isaiah. (Isa 9:6) For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Christmas is the celebration of this prophecy come true. When the world was oppressed by sin, tyranny, poverty and injustice, the Father had promised a deliverer, a Savior who was going to pay the price set for this oppression. Jesus was to be that Man. He was God but He chose to be born a mere human to demonstrate the humble heart with which He had wanted to fulfill the plans of the Father. He was born in a lowly manger but the royalty of Heaven proclaimed and rejoiced in His coming.

Humility, sacrifice and victory - these are the words which characterize his birth, death and resurrection. We must not be tempted to merely picture Him forever as a helpless infant in a crib. This baby grew up, became an excellent youth, obeying and loving his human parents, performed a very public and miracle-laden ministry in his adult life and then fulfilled the will of the Father even if it cost Him his life. But His story does not end there either. He conquered death and was resurrected and had left behind the Holy Spirit to be our Wonderful Counselor until He returns and takes us to dwell with Him in heaven.

This is the same message I would like to convey to you this Christmas season. Let us be like Jesus in demonstrating these virtues in our lives. With humility, let us acknowledge that all that we have today- our jobs, family, material possessions, talents, and gifts all come from Him. We need, therefore to share these with those who have less in life, especially those we left behind in the Philippines. For this is the essence of sacrifice. The Father gave His son, and I do not know of any other more painful experience than to give up one’s child for the sake of others who are not even worthy of it. Finally, let us live victorious lives. Let us conquer the spirit of conflict, sin, envy, uncaring and malice which are from Satan and replace it by the fruit of the Spirit which are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness and faithfulness. In this way may we be able to uplift our country, cheer our countrymen and serve our God.
Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon sa aking mga Kababayan sa Norway, Denmark at Iceland, mula sa inyong Embahada!