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16th Edition
The Bible does not tell us much about Mary and what little we
have is of much significance for our own faith journey. She figures
prominently in the birth narratives of Matthew (1-2) and especially
Luke (1-2). She takes Jesus to the Temple when he turned twelve
(Luke 2:41-52). John tells us that she was at the wedding feast at
Cana, and that she knew her son could do extraordinary things, and
she requested him to solve the problem of wine shortage (John
2:1-11)). She also gathered her family to look for Jesus, and bring
him home when she heard that he was stirring controversies by his
teachings (Matthew 12:46-49). It appears that, thereafter, she
accompanied Jesus throughout his ministry because she appeared at
the foot of the Cross (John 19:25-27), and she was at the upper
room at Jerusalem (Acts 1:12-14). Marys life, by any standard, was
far from being ordinary. Mary was an extraordinary person, and
there are valuable lessons in the life of Mary that can enlighten
our relationship with Jesus. I would even say that without such
lessons, we would all be very much poorer spiritually! Doctrines
aside, the singular matter that sets Mary aside from all others in
the human race, both men and women, is simply that she gave birth
to Jesus Christ. God chooses individuals for various tasks in life
but it was the lot of Mary to be chosen to bear the Son of God.
Now, when Jesus walked the earth, we must remember that though
Jesus was fully man and
The Lutheran Church began as a voice of protest against the
excesses of the
papacy in Christendom. Among the papal teachings that Luther
rejected was the
critical role for Mary in the divine plan of salvation for
mankind. Pursuant to this unwarranted addition to Christian
doctrines much has been attributed to the person of Mary that is
not biblical but rests upon the authority of the Roman Church
through the papal office to propagate this doctrine. While all this
Marian
piety is ancient in the Church, it has, nevertheless, been
constantly challenged. It, in fact, took the genius of Martin
Luther to come out and reject it outright. He accomplished this by
shifting the basis of authority from the papal office to Scripture.
To affirm our Lutheran position, I want to say that there is only
one person who was hanged on the Cross through whom God our Father
testified his love and his painful longing for reconciliation. And
that one person was Jesus Christ to whom we need to turn our
hearts. We reject a parallel role for Mary in this salvific plan.
In the economy of Church doctrines, it is unwarranted and
unnecessary. However, whatever said and done, we can never have a
discussion on the subject of Christmas without talking about
Mary!
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2 32
teaches us this: she loved Jesus not because she wanted heaven
or feared hell. She loved Jesus because Jesus was her child. Mary
stands alone in history as someone special because that child of
hers was God! This was her privilege and blessing from our Father
in heaven. If we understand Mary right, we must seek to return to
that simplicity of faith, the humility in the face of complexities,
and the surrender, and above all, to a love that only a mother can
show to her child. This is a lesson for both mothers and fathers. I
know many mothers, just like many fathers, are not exemplary. And
very often we grow into adulthood describing our relationships with
our mothers or fathers as complex. We do not know what sort of
difficulties Jesus had with his relationship with Mary and Joseph.
I guess that he was often taken aback by her mundane concerns. I
imagine that Mary might have annoyed Jesus by her apparent lack of
understanding of his goals. But that is acceptable. And if we do
find that our difficulties are more than these, then, it is time we
contemplate and wonder how Jesus related to his mother, the simple
Jewish village woman, Mary.
I take this opportunity to encourage you to meditate upon the
vast difficulties that Mary went through for the sake of Jesus. She
was unmarried when she became pregnant. She was married to a much
older man, had to be at Bethlehem when in full third-trimester,
gave birth at a manger in the presence of a strong animal stench.
She swaddled her new-born in strips of clothes because she was so
ill-prepared. Tired and exhausted, she was visited by strange men
who advised her to flee, and soon after depart to Egypt, leaving
behind a nasty massacre of innocents. She lived away from her
family and kinsmen for nearly a decade before returning home. Can
you imagine her turbulent emotions? This sort of endurance is a
solid feature of feminine charisma and I also believe it is a part
of Marys extraordinary personality. This Christmas, let us seek to
look beyond the Christmas-card version of Mary and her family. They
were human beings and they struggled and stayed together dealing
with the issues at hand. They did not give up and remembered to
have God on their side. Having said this, we do not endorse the
piety associated with the doctrinal affirmation of Mary being the
Mother of God (theotokos) but certainly Mary can be our role model
in faith, surrender and perseverance.
Wishing all members and well-wishers of the ELCM, A JOYFUL
CHRISTMAS AND A BLESSED NEW YEAR!
Rt Rev Dr Solomon RajahBishopEvangelical Lutheran Church in
Malaysia
fully God, he surrendered all divinity for the sake of mankind
that he may die for us. So, while logic dictates that Mary gave
birth to Jesus, the second person in the Holy Trinity, the reality
is that she gave birth to a human infant. Now, would Mary know the
awesome miracle that she was instrumental in bringing to reality? I
would say no, not really. The Scripture tells us that Mary kept
these things in her heart and I say she did keep things in her
heart because she was a good person who refused to turn to
scepticism about things she did not fully comprehend (Luke 2:51).
Her ignorance was tempered by her simple village humility. If not
for the simplicity of her faith in the providence of God, surely
she would not have been able to endure the travails the family had
to undergo to save the infant Jesus from the massacre that Herod
ordered, and the gruelling escape in the shroud of the night to a
strange Egypt all alone with Joseph. This is one important lesson
for us. We often reckon that we are a very sophisticated people and
we are always in charge of all the forces that affect our lives and
families. We work, earn, travel and conduct our lives with full
confidence that we are in control. Sometimes, even our prayers are
mere invocations; they are seldom surrendering to God. The sort of
surrender that Mary exhibited to save her child requires humility
and faith. I do not blame Christians in history who has always been
fascinated or devoted to Mary. While we frown upon praying to her
or adoring her icons, there is much to reflect about her human
life. Again, I want to draw attention to the fact that Mary never
really understood Jesus. It is easy to understand that ones son is
a soldier or a politician or a great union leader, or simply a
non-conformist at war with the establishment. Perhaps, she could
have handled it if she understood that Jesus was a prophet walking
in the shoes of Moses or Elijah and that it was a divine calling to
challenge the authority of the day. But to know that Jesus was the
Son of God who must die on the Cross to testify Gods love and so
reconcile all mankind to heaven or to understand that Jesus is
perfectly equal to God the Father and the Holy Spirit and as such
is part of the One God is a little over the head for many, leave
alone Mary. For her, Jesus was primarily my son. The reason she
thought of Jesus as my son is because she saw him emerge from her
womb. She suckled him on her breasts, washed and clothed him, put
ointment on his bruised knees (which boy does not bruise his
knees?) and hugged and comforted him when he lost his father
Joseph. There was so much humanity that bound Mary to Jesus. It is
often difficult to understand our own predicaments when we do not
know what sort of glasses we should wear to understand the sort of
relationship we ought to have with Jesus. Mary
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2 3 3
Yj;jud; jpUr;rig> fpwp];jt tuyhw;wpy;> Nghg;gpd; mjpfhuj;
jPtpuf;nfhs;iffis vjpu;f;Fk; xU Gul;rpf; Fuyhf ,Uf;Fk;gb
Muk;gpf;fg;gl;lJ. mg;nghOJ Nghg;gpd; mjpfhuj;jpd;fPo;
Nghjpf;fg;gl;ltw;wpy; xd;whd> kdpjdpd; ,ul;rpg;Gf;fhd flTspd;
jpl;lj;jpy; kupahspd; Kf;fpa gq;if gw;wpapUe;j nfhs;ifia Yj;ju;
epuhfupj;jhu;. ,e;j Vw;Wf;nfhs;sKbahj nfhs;iffSld; kupahisg; gw;wp
tptpypaj;jpy; ,y;yhj mNeff; fhupaq;fis Nru;j;J Nghg;gpd;
mjpfhuj;jpd; fPo; Nghjpj;jdu;. kupahis tzq;Fk; gof;fk; jpUr;rigapy;
goikahdJk;> gy rkaq;fspy; vjpu;g;ig ngw;wJkhdjhf
,Ue;jnghOjpYk;> mij Kw;Wkhf epuhfupf;f Yj;ju; Nghd;w rka Nkij
Njitg;gl;lJ.
Yj;ju; jpUr;rig nfhs;iffis epu;zapf;Fk; mjpfhuj;ij
Nghg;gpdplkpUe;J tptpypaj;Jf;F nfhLj;jjpd; %yNk ,e;j khw;wj;ij
Vw;gLj;jpdhu;. ekJ Yj;jud; jpUr;rigapd; nfhs;ifia typAWj;j ehd;
tpUk;GfpNwd;. xNu xU egu;jhd; ekf;fhf rpYitapy; njhq;fpdhu;. mtu;
%ykhf gpjhthfpa flTs; jkJ md;igAk;> kdpjDld; xg;Gwthf jdf;F
,Ue;j NtjidAs;s Vf;fj;ijAk; ntspg;gLj;jpdhu;. me;j xU egu;jhd; ,NaR
fpwp];J. mtu; gf;fNk ehk; ekJ ,Ujaj;ij jpUg;g Ntz;Lk;. ,e;j
,ul;rpg;gpd; jpl;lj;jpy; kupahSf;Fk; fpwp];JTld; rkgq;F cz;L vd;w
nfhs;ifia ehk; Vw;Wf;nfhs;s KbahJ. fpwp];jt khu;f;f nfhs;iffSf;F ,J
khWgl;lJ> Njitaw;wJ. ,Ue;j NghjpYk;> fpwp];k]; gz;bifia gw;wp
NgRk;NghJ ehk; kupahisg; gw;wp NgrhkypUf;f KbahJ.
tptpypaj;jpy; kupahisg;gw;wpa jfty; kpff;FiwNt> Mdhy; mit
ahTk; ehk; ek;Kila tpRthrj;jpy; tsu cjTfpd;wd. kj;NjA 1-2
mjpfhuq;fSk;> kw;Wk; Yhf;fh vOjpa 1-2 mjpfhuq;fSk; fpwp];Jtpd;
gpwg;igg; gw;wpa trdq;fs;. mjpy; kupahs; Kf;fpakhf
Fwpf;fg;gLfpwhs;;. fpwp];J gd;dpuz;L taij mile;jNghJ> mtiu
kupahs; NfhapYf;F nfhz;L nry;fpwhs;.(Yhf;fh 2:41-52). gpwF fpwp];J
rpf;fy;fis jPu;f;Fk; jpwikia mwptpj;jtu;fsha; fhdhtpy; xU
jpUkzj;jpy; jd; kfDf;F jpuhl;rurk; Kbe;j Fiwiaj;jPu;f Ntz;LNfhs;
nfhLg;gij Nahthd; Fwpf;fpwhu; (Nahthd; 2:1-11). fpwp];Jtpd;
Nghjidfisf; Nfl;L kf;fs; MNtrg;gl;L fytukhfpLNkh vd;W mQ;rp jd;
FLk;gj;jhu;fSld; Xb xU tPl;by; ntspNa epd;W jd; kfid mioj;jij
kj;NjA Fwpf;fpwhu; (kj;NjA 12:46-49). mjd; gpwF kupahs; ,NaRit
gpd;njhlu;e;J filrpapy; rpYitapd; mbapy; epd;w xU fhl;rpiaAk;
(Nahthd; 19:25-27)> NkYk; vUrNykpy; NkyiuapYk; rPlu;fSld;
fhj;jpUe;jijAk; (mg;Ngh];jyu; 1:12-14) ehk; ghu;f;fyhk;.
,f;Fwpg;Gfisf; nfhz;L ghu;j;jhy;
kupahspd; tho;f;if xU ruhrup tho;f;ifay;y vd;W njupfpwJ.
kupahspd; tho;f;if epfuw;w tho;f;if. mjd; %yk; ehk; ,NaRtplk;
nfhz;Ls;s cwit Ez;zpj;J mwpa ekf;Fk; gy tho;f;if ghlq;fs; cz;L.
,g;ghlq;fs; ek;Kila fpwp];jt tho;f;iff;F ,d;wpaikahjjhFk; vd;W
$WfpNwd;. nfhs;iffs; xU gf;fk; ,Uf;f> kdpj kf;fspilNa kupahspd;
jdpr;rpwg;G mtu; ,NaR fpwp];Jit ngw;nwLj;jJ. Mz;ltu; ek;ik gythwhd
fhupaq;fSf;fhf Nju;e;-njLf;fpwhu;. mijg;Nghyjhd; Mz;ltu; kupahis
Njt kfid jd; fu;g;gj;jpy; nfhs;s Nju;e;njLj;jhu;. ,NaRNth
,t;Tyfpy;elkhbaNghJ mtu; KOikahf khdpldhfTk; KOikahf nja;tkhfTk;
elkhbdhu.; Mdhy; jk;Kila nja;tj;jd;ikia gad;gLj;jhJ mtu;
kdpju;fSf;fhf kupf;f te;jhu; vd;gij ftdpj;jpy; itf;f Ntz;Lk;.
Mf> kupahs; ngw;w ,NaR> jpupj;Jtj;jpy; %d;whk; Nguhf
,Ue;jhYk;> cz;ikapNyNa kupahs; ngw;wJ xU kdpj NrNa.
jd;id fUtpahf;fp> Vw;gl;l ,e;j khngUk; mw;Gjj;ij kupahs;
czu;e;jpUg;ghsh? ed;F rpe;jpj;J ghu;j;jhy; ,y;iy vd;Wjhd; nrhy;y
KbAk;. ekJ Ntjj;jpy; kupahs; ,it midj;ijAk; kdjpy; Nghl;L itj;jhs
vd;W $WfpwJ. fhuzk; mts; ey;yts;> Gupahjij nfhr;irgLj;j kWj;jts;
(Yhf;fh 2:51). mtsJ mwpahikia mtsJ fpuhkpa gzpNt gyg;gLj;JfpwJ.
Mz;ltupd;Nky; ,Ue;j vspa tpRthrkpd;wp jdJ FL;j;jpd; gytpj f\;lq;fis
rfpj;Jf;nfhz;L mts; Foe;ij ,NaRit VNuhjpd; gLnfhiyapypUe;J
fhg;ghw;wTk;> eL ,utpNy jdpikapy; NahNrg;Gld; ghiytdj;ij fle;J
may; ehlhd vfpg;Jf;F Xbr;nry;yTk; Kbe;jpUf;fhJ.
,J ekf;F xU Kf;fpa tho;f;if ghlkhFk;. ehk; nghJthf gy cyf
fhupaq;fis mwpe;jtu;fs; vd;Wk;> ek;ikAk; ek; FLk;gq;fisAk;
#o;e;JtUk; rj;jpaq;fis ifahsKbAk; vd;W XusT ekf;F ,Wkhg;G cz;L.
Ntiyf;F nry;fpNwhk;> rk;ghjpf;fpNwhk;> gazpf;fpNwhk;. ek;Kila
tho;f;ifia KO jd;dk;gpf;ifAld;; tho;fpNwhk;. tpz;zg;g n[gq;fs; $l
ntWk; mwpf;iffshfpd;wd> Mz;ltuplk; ruzile;j epiyapy; mJ ,y;iy.
kupahs; jd; Foe;ijia fhg;ghw;w Ntz;Lk; vd;gjw;fhf fhl;ba
ruzilTf;F> mtsJ gzpTk; ek;gpf;ifAk; Njitg;gl;lJ. fpwp];jt
tuyhw;wpy;> mNefu; kupahis mwpe;J mts;kPJ gupTk; gf;jpAk;
fhl;bajpy; tpag;gpy;iy. mtu;fis Fiwr; nrhy;yTk; KbahJ. kupahsplk;
n[gj;ij VnuLg;gJk; kupahSf;F rpiy nra;J Fk;gpLtJk; jtnwd;whYk;>
kupahspd; kdpj tho;f;ifiag;gw;wp rpe;jpf;f gy ghlq;fs;
,Uf;fpd;wd.
Nguhaupd; fpwp];k]; nra;jp
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4 54
kupahs; jd; kfd; ,NaRit KOikahf mwpahjij kWgbAk; cq;fs;
ftdj;jpw;F nfhz;LtUfpNwd;. jd; kfd; xU ,uhZt tPud;>
murpay;thjp> njhopw;rq;f jiytu; my;yJ rKjhaj;jpw;F fl;Lg;glhj
Nghuhsp vd;nwy;yhk; MapUe;jhy; mtid kupahs; Gupe;Jnfhz;bUf;fyhk;.
kupahs; jd; kfd; NkhNr> vypah Nghd;w xU jPu;f;fjuprpahfNth
mwpe;jpUe;jhy;$l nja;t miog;ngd;W Vw;wpUf;fyhk;. Mdhy; ,NaRNth
NjtFkhud;> gpjhtpd; md;gpw;Fk;> guNyhfj;Jld; khdpliu
xd;wpizf;fNtz;Lk; vd;w Vf;fj;jpw;Fk; rhl;rpahf FUrpy; miwAz;L
rhfNtz;Lk; vd;gJ kupahspd; mwptpw;F vl;ltpy;iy. NkYk; ,NaR
gpjhTlDk; gupRj;j MtpAlDk; xd;whdtu; vd;gijAk; kupahs;>
mwpatpy;iy. ekf;Nf ,J fbdkhd rpe;jid. ,NaR vd; kfd; vd;w rpe;jidNa
Kjd;ikahf kupashSf;F ,Ue;jJ.
,NaRit kupahs; vd; kfd; vd;W mwptjw;F fhuzk;> ,NaR jd;
fu;g;gj;jpypUe;J ntspte;jij mts; fz;lts;. jd;Dila khu;gpy; ghy;
nfhLj;jts;. Foe;ijia fOtp cLj;jpats;> fhag;gl;l Kl;bf;F kUe;j
,l;lts;. NkYk; jd; je;ijahfpa NahNrg;G fhykhdNghJ mtiu mizj;J MWjy;
$wpats;. kupahSf;Fk; ,NaRTf;Fk; ,Ue;j ,izg;gpy; kdpj jd;ikNa
mjpfkhf ,Ue;jJ.
ek;Kila tho;f;ifapy; gyNtisfspy; ehk; ,NaRtplk; vt;thW cwT
nfhs;tJ vd;W IakilfpNwhk;. kupahspd; kdjpy; mg;gbnahU Iak; ,y;iy.
kupahs; ekf;F fhl;Lk; top ,JNt: kupahs; guNyhfk; NghfNtz;Lk; my;yJ
eufj;ij jtpu;f;fNtz;Lk; vd;gju;fhf ,NaRit Nerpf;ftpy;iy. kupahs;
,NaRtplk; fhl;ba ghrk; xU jha; jd; gps;isaplk; fhl;Lk; mstpy;yh
ghrNk. kupahs; rupj;jpuj;jpy; xU jdpg;gl;l tpNr\ eguhf ,Uf;fpwhs;.
Vnddpy; mts; kfd; flTsha; ,Ue;jhu;. ,J ekJ guNyhfg;gpjh mtSf;F
nfhLj;j MrPu;thjk;. ehk; kupais rupahf Gupe;Jnfhz;bUg;Nghkhdhy;
mtSila vspikahd tpRthrj;ijAk;> vjpu;g;Gfs; kj;jpapy; fhl;ba
gzpitAk; mtsJ ruziljiyAk;> vy;yhtw;wpw;Fk; Nkyhf xU jha; jdJ
gps;isf;F fhl;Lk; md;igAk; ekJ tho;f;ifapYk; mila Vq;f Ntz;Lk;.
,e;j tho;f;if ghlk; jha;fSf;F kl;Lky;y je;ijfSf;Fk; nghUe;Jk;.
gy jha;fSk; gy je;ijfs;Nghy ey;y cjhuzq;fshf tho;tjpy;iy. ,J
vdf;F njupAk; fhuzk; ek;kpy; gyu;; jq;fs; ngw;Nwhu;fSldhd cwit
Fog;gbjhd; vd;W $Wfpd;wdu;. ,NaR jk;Kila ngw;Nwhu;fshd kupahsplKk;
NahNrg;GlDk; vt;thwhd cwit nfhz;bUe;jhu; vd;W ekf;Fj; njupahJ.
mt;tg;NghJ ,NaR kupahspd;
ehl;lq;fisf; fz;L vupr;ryile;jpUf;fyhk; vd;W epidf;fpNwd;. NkYk;
kupahSk; jd; kfdhd ,NRtpd; Nehf;fq;fis mwpahjjpdhYk; mtUf;Fk;
vupr;riy nfhLj;jpUf;fyhk;. Mdhy; mJ Vw;Wf;nfhs;sf; $baNj. ek;Kila
cwTfspy; ,ijtpl mjpfkhd Fog;gq;fs; ,Uf;fpwJ vd;W ehk; mwpe;jhy;>
ehKk; ,j;jUthapy; ekJ ,NaR jd; jhahd me;j A+j fpuhkj;J ngz;zhd
kupahsplk; vg;gbg;gl;l cwT itj;jpUe;jhu; vd;gij jpahdpf;f
Ntz;Lk;.
,NaRTf;fhf kupahs; gy rpwkq;fis mDgtpf;f NeHe;jJ. cjhuzkhf:
kupahs; jpUkzkhfhj Kd;Nd fu;g;gpdpahdhs;> jd;idtpl tajpy;
mjpfKjpikahdtiu jpUkzk; nra;jhs;. KO fu;g;gpdpahdNghJk; jd; Ciu
tpl;L ngj;yNfk; nrd;whs;. mq;F ehw;wk; kpFe;j tpyq;Ffs; kj;jpapy;
Foe;ijia Jz;LJzpia fpopj;J fl;bdhs;. Vnddpy; mts; Maj;jk;;
,y;yhkYk; mjpf fisg;GlDk; ,Ue;jhs;. Kd;gpd; njupahj rpyu; mtis
re;jpj;J clNd Gwg;gl;L Xlr;nrhy;y mtSk;; nfhLq;nfhiyapypUe;J jg;gp
vfpg;J Njrj;jpw;F Xbdhs;. NkYk; jd; FLk;gk; cwtpdu; vd;w njhlu;G
,y;yhkNy Vwj;jho gj;jhz;LfSf;F vfpg;jpy; tho;e;jhs;. kupahspd;
kNdhepiyia ehk; rpe;jpj;Jg;ghu;f;f KbAkh? ,ijnay;yhk; rfpj;j me;j
ngz; kpFe;j gf;Ftk; cs;sts;. kupahs; rpwg;ghd> mjpf
tpj;jpahrg;gl;l> Fzq;fisAilats; vd;Wk; ehd; ek;GfpNwd;.
md;ghdtu;fNs> ,e;j fpwp];k]; gz;bifad;W ehk; fpwp];k];
fhu;by; fhDk; kupahspd; tiug;gl rpe;jidfis mfw;wp mtupd; FLk;gj;ij
rw;W $u;e;J ftdpg;Nghk;. mtu;fs; khdplkf;fNs. xd;whf tho;e;J vy;yh
rpf;fs;fisAk; xd;whf re;jpj;jdu;. flTs; mtu;fs; gf;fk; ,Uf;fpwhu;
vd;gij kwf;fhky; tho;f;if Nghuhl;lq;fis fz;L kdk; jsu toptpltpy;iy.
,itfis nrhd;d gpwFk;> kupahs; flTspd; jha; vd;w nfhs;iffSf;F
xj;j gf;jptopfis ehk; mq;fPfupg;gjpy;iy. Mdhy; kupahs; mtsJ
tpRthrk;> rudilAk; jd;ik> jsuhik Mfpa Fdhjpraq;fs; %yk; ekJ
tho;f;iff;F xU Kd;khjpupahf ,Uf;fpwhs; vd;gij ehk; epidtpy;
itf;fNtz;Lk;.
ekJ jpUr;rig cWg;gpdu;fSf;Fk;> ez;gu;fSf;Fk; vdJ kfpo;r;rp
nghq;Fk; fpwp];k];> MrPu;thjk; epiwe;j Gj;jhz;L
tho;j;Jf;fs;.
khkiwjpU Kidtu; rhyNkhd; uh[hNguhau;.kNyrpa RtpNr\ Yj;jud;
jpUr;rig
kupahspd; tho;f;if epfuw;w tho;f;if. mjd; %yk; ehk; ,NaRtplk;
nfhz;Ls;s cwit Ez;zpj;J mwpa
ekf;Fk; gy tho;f;if ghlq;fs; cz;L.
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4 5
Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia21, Jalan Sultan Abdul
Samad, Brickfields50470 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.Tel: 03-2274 1033 /
03-2274 0204 Fax: 03-2274 1750Email: [email protected]:
www.elcm.com.my
Editor-in-Chief Rt. Rev Dr. Solomon RajahBishop, ELCM
Editor Rev. Albert P. Abishegam
Asst. Editor Rev. Steven Lawrence
Members Rev. Paul K.Rev. Ebenezer Irai AmirthamRev. Moses
MuthusamyMs. Rowena PonnuduraiMr. Eliezer Peter
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Yes... that magical time of the year has dawned upon us once
again! For many Christians, Christmas is a joyous time of
merry-making and celebration. Sounds of familiar carols in shopping
malls, Christmas greeting cards, the Christmas tree, exchanging of
gifts, Christmas parties, church services and not forgetting our
Malaysian tradition of open house on Christmas Day itself... this
is what Christmas means to the vast majority of us and perhaps also
other Christians in Malaysia and the rest of the world as well.
Indeed, the above is not all there is to the Christmas
celebrations. If we care to delve deep into the heart of the
Christmas celebrations we will find therein the story of the Virgin
Birth and its significance to Christmas.
This Christmas editorial, therefore, focuses on the significance
of the Virgin Birth. There is ample explicit and implicit evidence
in the scriptures to uphold the affirmation of the Apostles Creed
that Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary. But why was this considered
significant enough to be included in this short document? The main
answer to this question concerns Jesus atonement for our sins.
Three things would be required for his sacrifice to be
efficacious.
First, Jesus would have to be sinless (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Second, he would have to be God. Only an infinite sacrifice could
atone for all of the sins of all of the children of God (John
1:29). Third, in addition to being fully God, Jesus would have to
be fully human. Only in this way could he stand in our place as a
sacrifice for our sins and be our Mediator before God the Father (1
Timothy. 2:5).
The Virgin Birth provided the means by which all three of these
criteria could be met. First, original sin is passed on through the
normal conception process (Psalms 51:5). The Virgin Birth enabled
Jesus to avoid this curse of the Fall. Second, two human beings
could not have conceived God. But the Virgin Birth enabled God the
Holy Spirit to be involved in the conception of Jesus.
Lastly, the involvement of Mary provided Jesus with his human
nature. So, with the Virgin Birth, Jesus could be fully God and
fully human (John 1:1,14).
So, the Virgin Birth opened the way for sins to be atoned for.
Hence, why this affirmation was included in the Apostles Creed, why
its significance to Christmas and why the angel declared to Mary:
YOU SHALL CALL HIS NAME JESUS, FOR HE WILL SAVE HIS PEOPLE FROM
THEIR SINS (Matthew 1:21).
Christmas is, therefore, all about the birth of the Son of God.
Celebrate the Baby, and trust the Saviour. Thats how to make
Christmas complete.
The Lutheran Herald Editorial Board takes this opportunity to
wish all our readers
A MEANINGFUL CHRISTMAS AND A BLESSED NEW YEAR!
The Significance of The Virgin Birth
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Message from the Diocesan Secretary
The Diocesan Council wishes all members a Merry Christmas and a
Blessed New Year.2010 has been a blessed year for the ELCM.
Congregations have been working hard to achieve their targets
respectively under the ELCM 5-year plan to strengthen and expand
the Church. We are proud to mention here that the Lutheran World
Federation recent news letter has even reported that the
proportionately largest increase in membership in Asia over the
past year was seen in the ELCM with some 650 new members in April
2010 pushing the total by 21.7% to the current membership.
We wish to place on record our deepest gratitude to the Bishop,
Pastors, lay leaders and members for their tireless work in running
the Church according to Gods holy laws, managing the various
development programs and attending to the needs and wants of all
members.
Yes, we have come to another Christmas. Almost everyone agrees
that the year 2010 has gone by so quickly. The coming years will
also flash by very fast. Hence, there is a need to take stock today
on where we stand today, how far we have travelled and where do we
want to go.
The journey may be long but it has to be completed. Life itself
is running out. So let not vain pursuits and unnecessary issues
deflect and distract us from the noble path that we all need to
take through the grace of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Yes, Christmas is around the corner. It is the season of great
rejoicing for it commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. However,
the occasion can only be complete if we realize that it is also a
season for meditation. We must remember the cause for which Jesus
Christ was born, why He gave His life for us and remembering it, we
must live by it ourselves for if we love Him, we must follow the
Commandments.
So, let this time be really a time of stock taking. Yes, we may
have had our differences at meetings or elsewhere in the Church.
Everyone would feel that that they were justified in their actions.
But let us turn within, recognize our weaknesses and try to
overcome them. Let us sink down all differences and sit together in
all loving devotion to our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
With great and sincere determination let us purge our souls and
cleanse our hearts, for unless we are pure in the sight of Jesus
Christ, we will not see the Kingdom of God, much less enter into
it.
For we know very well, that if we love our Lord with all our
hearts, with all our strength, and with all our souls and love our
neighbours as ourselves; And if we can forget our prejudices and
differences, our hatreds and petty jealousies, and if we can love
our enemies as Jesus Christ did, then all things will be added unto
us and we will reach our desired goals.
Let each one of us give our best to our Lord Jesus Christ and to
our beloved Church with our time, talent and treasure.
The love of Jesus Christ for each one of us is boundless. We
know the path is difficult. But with His grace and help, we will
succeed. Therefore, focus on your plans to expand and strengthen
your congregation and outreach areas, and if everyone does it then
the ELCM will reach its membership target of 5000 by the end of
2011.
Once again the Diocesan Council wishes all of you a Merry
Christmas and a bright and Happy New Year full of new aspirations
and new resolutions for the Glory of God bringing about the love
for all humanity and working in loving cooperation with each
other.
Silas M. Das
Let each one of us give our best to our Lord Jesus Christ and
to
our beloved Church with our time, talent and treasure.
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The 47th Diocesan Assembly (DA) was held from Friday 17th
September to Sunday 19th September 2010 at the Le Paris Hotel, Port
Dickson. Over 90 delegates, clergy, lay and observers attended the
Assembly. Registration of delegates started at 2.30pm at the Le
Paris Hotel. The delegates adjourned to the Resurrection Lutheran
Congregation compound for tea hosted by the Resurrection
Congregation. Delegates had the opportunity to see the progress
made by Rumah Luther Ria. The Bishop led the delegates in the
Opening Service with communion at 5.30pm. His text was from Acts
5:42. He mentioned 7 different methods used by the early church in
building the Church : Talking, Witnessing, Preaching, Evangelizing,
Prophesying, Teaching and Pleading. The dinner which followed was
hosted by the Resurrection Lutheran Congregation.
The first session started at 8.00pm with an opening prayer by
the Bishop. The Bishop welcomed all the delegates and observers to
the DA and introduced the new delegates from Meru and Kluang to the
House. Dr. Sylvian Das, the Chairman of Rumah Luther Ria Management
Committee gave a briefing about Rumah Luther Ria. The offerings
received during the Opening Service was given to the Management of
Rumah Luther Ria.
A minutes silence was observed for the late Rev. A.S. Muthiah
and Rev. Thangaraj, former pastors of the ELCM. After the roll
call, the Bishop officially declared open the 47th DA. The Diocesan
Council Secretary Mr. Silas Das presented the Resolutions taken at
the 2009 DA and the actions taken in their implementation so far.
Some key issues were noted: Local Councils should be sensitive to
the needs and wants of youths, aging members in many congregations
and more funds should be allocated for mission work.
On Saturday 18th September, the morning devotion was led by Rev.
Siritharan who expounded a text from John 17: 20-23. In his
message, the pastor highlighted three points: (1)Uphold one another
in Christ through our daily prayer: (2) Uphold one another in
Christ through Gods Word and our worship: and (3) Uphold one
another in Christ through Gods love and show our care and concern.
Where there is unity, there will be Gods blessings and life (Psalms
133 : 1-3).
A minute silence was observed for the late Mr. Christy Moses and
Evangelist Paul John.
In his address, the Bishop thanked the delegates for supporting
him for the past 20 months. We are
A Report On The DIOCESAN ASSEMBLY 2010
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involved in the unity of the Church. He specifically mentioned
Nehemiah in the building of the wall surrounding the temple. The
walls became the moral and sacred place for the Jewish community.
He
pointed out that Jesus is the true Temple. The walls around him
is broken, breached and neglected and at times in a sad state. When
compared to the time of Nehemiah there are no essential differences
in our modern society.
The Bishop emphasized that A Church that does not plan and
prepare for the future may not die but it may not grow. So he urged
the congregations to plan, and the blueprint of the plan has
already been mentioned in the ELCMs 5 Year Plan. He requested the
delegates to focus on the Each One Reach One Each Year membership
growth campaign. The Bishop was impressed and happy on all the
social ministries of the ELCM, particularly the new ministries,
namely, Rumah Luther Ria and ELCM Womens Care and Counselling
Centre. He highlighted the foreseeable Challenges for 2011 as
follows: the resurgence of Islam, the use of English and Tamil
languages, rural and urban changes, cultural identity, issues of
poverty, single parenthood. In conclusion, the Bishop suggested
that we need to draw the talents and skills from the ELCM
membership in the strengthening and expanding of the Church. We
will grow because God loves his Church.
The Diocesan Council Secretary presented the Annual Report of
the Diocesan Council. In mentioning the four challenges facing the
church today, namely: (1) financial self reliance; (2) second line
leadership; (3) building membership and (4) opening new areas of
ministry: targeted work. He urged members to follow the Bishops
desire to strengthen and expand the ELCM, giving their best which
involves their time, talent and treasure. He encouraged pastors and
members in working towards reaching the targetted membership by the
end of 2010. Rev. Steven Lawrence took the Assembly through the
ELCM Census as at 31st December 2009. In the afternoon the pastors
from the various congregations presented their congregational
reports
to the DA. In the evening, the Diocesan Council Secretary
presented the New ELCM Constitution to the delegates. He said that
there were no changes that would affect the essence of the
Constitution. The changes were editorial or typographical errors.
The Registrar of Societies (ROS) has informed that it is a New
Constitution and came under the Societies Act.
On Sunday 19th September 2010, the final day of the Assembly,
the Order of Service was led by Rev. Ebenezer Irai Amirtham and the
message was given by Rev. Jegadass. He expounded a text from Acts
2: 42-47. He said that we are all gathered here because we love the
Church. Are we bringing the world into the Church or are we taking
the Church to the troubled world? Christ is our ultimate model. We
need to use our gifts and talents which God has given us. The
pastor called upon the delegates to love one another, worship in
oneness and God in his grace will add more souls to our Church.
The Diocesan Council Treasurer, Mr. Selvaraj, tabled the Audited
Annual Accounts as at 31st December 2010 and the Annual Operating
Budget for 2011.
The Bishop brought the DA to a close at 12.00 noon with prayer.
He thanked all the delegates for their patience and active
participation. He was happy that there was generally a spirit of
camaraderie, fellowship and oneness within the family of Christ. He
thanked all the pastors and urged the delegates to support their
pastors in their ministries. The Diocesan Council has also worked
as a team and supportive of the Bishops aspirations for the Church.
Rev. Michael John proposed a vote of thanks to the Bishop for
chairing the Assembly. Delegates left with an urgency to bring the
ELCM to even greater heights.
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09.06.2010 - 60 youths participated in the 9th Rapha Youth
Campheld at Bethesda Congregation, Teluk Intan
28.05.2010 - Rev. Paul Kerishnan was awarded a Honorary
Doctorateof Divinity by University of Jerusalem, Chennai for his
long service
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25.12.2009 - Rev. Stephen Vello and members of Good Samaritan
Lutheran Congregation Tamil ministry after their first Christmas
Service
30.03.2010 - Choir performing during Bethesda Congregations
Passion Carol Service
29.08.2010 - Bishop & Biskopina and Rev. Siritaran pictured
after Baptism cum Confirmation service at Holy Cross
Congregation
09.05.2010 - 5 Nepalis were baptised by Rev. Paul Kerishnan at
New Jerusalem Congregation
13.06.2010 - Bishop and Rev. Ebenezer together with other
leaderscelebrating Fathers Day at Bethesda Congregation
25.07.2010 - Bishop giving Benediction during Opening Service of
LWF Assembly in Stuttgart, Germany
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29.08.2010 - Bishop unveiling plaque during soft-launching of
ELCM Womens Care and Counselling Centre
28.08.2010 - Rev. Albert Abishegam and leaders of the Zion
Cathedral English Service during a one - day outing to FRIM,
Kepong
12.11.2010 - Participants of the ELCM Mission Convention held
atCatholic Seminary, Malacca
22.08.2010 - Members of Bahasa Service conducted jointly by Good
Samaritan Congregation and Global Mission Society of South
Korea
22.08.2010 - 80 youths participated in the Central District
Youth Camp held at Malaysia Bible Seminary, Rawang
07.08.2010 - Good Shepherd Congregation at Harvest Haven,
Gopengfor their family retreat
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25.07.2010 - Bishop at the LWF Assembly in Stuttgart, Germany
01.08.2010 - Mrs. Pathmavathy was baptised at Grace Church, Labisby
Rev. Dr. S. Andrews.
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09.10.2010 - Bishop dedicating the Kulai Lutheran Outreach
Centre in the presence of Rev. Paul Raj & the congregation
03.10.2010 - Bishop and Rev. Michael John together with 6 Church
of Victory confirmands on their confirmation day
02.10.2010 - Rev. Albert Abishegam and Evangelist Joseph
Sinnapan during a Zion Cathedral English Service mission trip to
Kuala Pilah
26.09.2010 - 7 Immanuel Congregation confirmands together with
Bishop and Rev. Balraj after their confirmation
12.09.2010 - 7 Cheras Congregation confirmands together with
Bishop & Biskopina and Rev. Steven Lawrence on their
confirmation day
04.09.2010 - 40 members participated in the Holy Cross
Congregation Family Retreat at Chefoo Methodist Centre, Cameron
Highlands
05.09.2010 - Participants of Cheras Lutheran Congregation Family
Retreat at NUBE Centre, PD
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10.09.2010 - Rev. Abraham Charles from the United Kingdom
conducted revival healing services at Zion Cathedral, KL
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29.10.2010 - Evangelist Kumarimuthu with Bishop and Rev. David
Devapirian at Bishops office
31.10.2010 - Bishop & Biskopina and Rev. Anbunathan
Samueltogether with 5 Kluang Lutheran Congregation confirmands
after their confirmation
29.10.2010 - Evangelist Kumarimuthu from Tamil Nadu speaking
during a Gospel meeting at Zion Cathedral, KL
24.10.2010 - Free lunch distribution for the needy is conducted
every Sunday by members of Zion Lutheran Congregation
23.10.2010 - ELCM graduating students, Mrs Sellamah and Mrs
Sophia with Bishop after the 28th STM Graduation Service
17.10.10 - Rev. Karthik Sibanyanam and LC members of Holy
Trinity Congregation together with newly-baptised children and
youths
17.10.2010 - Bishop and Rev. Babyington with newly-appointed
Holy Communion servers at Bethany Congregation, Teluk Intan
09.10.2010 - Candidate Gnana Das of Our Saviour Congregation,
JBwas commissioned by Bishop at Kulai Outreach Centre
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As we confess in the second article of the Apostles Creed, we
believe that Jesus is the only begotten Son of God, who was born of
a woman (the Virgin Mary). All of us are begotten of a human father
and mother but it was not so with Jesus! He was born of a human
mother but was not begotten of a human father. He is the seed of
the woman (Genesis 3:15), the Son of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew
1:23) but was conceived by the miraculous operation of the Holy
Spirit (Matthew. 1:18; Luke 1:35). Lets look at the implications of
this miraculous conception and the virgin birth of Jesus
Christ.
Two Natures of ChristFirst, it says that the second person of
the Trinity is a single person but with two natures. He is true man
and, at the same time, the eternally blessed God (Romans 9:5). He
has a complete divine and a complete human nature (not fifty-fifty
but hundred-hundred in percentage). For in him dwells all the
fullness of the Godhead bodily. But, is it necessary for Christ to
be both Man and God at the same time? Here are the reasons why it
is essential:
i) To save humanity, Christ had to take the place of human
beings. To die for the sins of the human race, to be our
substitute, Jesus had to be a true human. To satisfy the demands of
Gods holiness, it was necessary for Christ to be truly human, stand
under the law and fulfill all righteousness (Galatians 4:4;
Matthew. 3:15; Romans 10:4).
ii) Can a mere human save the whole of humanity? Can anybody
stand before the wrath of God and reconcile the whole world to him?
Only God can render full satisfaction to God thats why Christ had
to be truly God. Indeed, God
was in Christ reconciling the world to himself (2 Corinthians
5:19).
Sinlessness of ChristSecond, it verifies that the Son of man,
unlike other men, is sinless. All who are naturally born are born
in sin and live with sin. But because Jesus was not begotten in a
natural way, original sin does not apply to him. Both heredity
guilt and original depravity and wickedness were not transmitted to
Jesus through birth. The Bible says that Jesus knew no sin (2
Corinthians 5:21) nor was guile found in his mouth (1 Pet. 2:22),
but was made to be sin for us.
Immortality of ChristThird, it explains the immortality of
Christs human nature. We human beings die as a consequence of our
sins, but Christ had no sins of his own; so he did not have to die.
His death was a voluntary act, just as he says: No one takes (my
life) from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it
down, and I have power to take it again (John 10:18). Jesus died
for our sins because he wanted to die at the very moment he wanted
to.
The Lutherans...As Lutherans, we never try to explain the
miraculous conception and the virgin birth of the Saviour of the
world. Nor do we ever like to reason out the profound mystery of
the perfect harmony of Christs two natures in his one personhood (1
Timothy 3:16). If you believe that God is almighty, you will not
stumble in your faith regarding the virgin birth of the
Saviour.
By Rev. Karthik Sibanyanam
Lutheran Doctrine
Jesus ChristConceived by the Holy Spirit, Born of the Virgin
Mary
In 1998, the management of Bethany Home purchased a
rectangular-shaped land measuring 6.46 acres in area. This land is
about 2 kilometres away from Bethany Home and situated by the main
road towards Teluk Intan at Lot 3578, Mukim Teluk Bahru, Hilir
Perak.
On the 16th of October, 2010 our Bishop, Rt. Rev. Dr. Solomon
Rajah led a dedication prayer on this land as Bethany Home is
commencing work on the land (filling up the land with soil for
sports activities) in 2011. This event was witnessed by members of
the Diocesan Council, Bethany Home Management Committee and members
from Bethany, Bethesda, Holy Trinity and Immanuel
Congregations.
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2nd January 2011 Zion Cathedral, KL, 9.00 am & 11.15 am
11th January 2011 Pastors Conference, KL (Reporting 2010)
17th January 2011 FELCMS Meeting, Kota Kinabalu
18th - 20th January 2011 CCM Heads of Churches Retreat, Kota
Kinabalu
26th January 2011 DC Meeting, Diocesan Conference Room,
7.30pm
14th - 16th February 2011 Board for Mission, LCA Visitation,
K.L.
20th February 2011 Good Hope Lutheran, K.L.
23rd February 2011 DC Meeting, Diocesan Conference Room,
7.30pm
27th February 2011 Wangsa Maju, K.L. Confirmation, 9am
2nd March 2011 STM Council, Meeting
5th - 6th March 2011 Matang Lutheran, Matang Confirmation,
9.00am
10th - 13th March 2011 LWF Asia Church Leadership Conference,
KL
19th - 20th March 2011 Batu Gajah Lutheran Outreach, Batu Gajah
/ Opening Service
23rd March 2011 DC Meeting, Diocesan Conference Room, 7.30pm
27th March 2011 Bahau Lutheran Outreach, Opening Service,
5.00pm
29th March 2011 CCM, Board of Management, K.L., 9.30am
3rd April 2011 Cheras Lutheran / Rumah Chrestus, Dedication,
K.L
9th April 2011 ELCM Womens Skill Training Centre, Launching,
Sentul 5.00pm
14th April 2011 CFM Biennial General Assembly
17th April 2011 Palm Sunday New Jerusalem, 9.00am
21st April 2011 Maundy Thursday, Good Shepherd, K.L.
22nd April 2011 Good Friday, Zion Cathedral, 12 Noon, K.L.
24th April 2011 Easter, Holy Trinity, Teluk Intan
(Confirmation), 9.00am
27th April 2011 DC Meeting, Diocesan Conference Room, 7.30pm
2nd - 7th May 2011 Church of Sweden Consultation, Sweden
11th May 2011 DC Meeting, Diocesan Conference Room, 7.30pm
15th May 2011 Mount Sinai, Kuala Pilah, 9.00 am
18th May 2011 STM AGM, Seremban, 3.00 pm
23rd - 25th May 2011 Pastors Seminar, Port Dickson
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28th May 2011 Wedding Service, Teluk Intan
5th June 2011 Resurrection Lutheran, Port Dickson, 9.00 am
(Confirmation)
11th June 2011 Lecture on Christian - Hindu Relations in
Malaysia, Anglican Church, Johor Baru
12th June 2011 Our Saviour, Johor Baru (Service) 9.00am
19th June 2011 Putra Perdana Lutheran Outreach (Service)
22nd June 2011 DC Meeting, Diocesan Conference Room, 7.30pm
26th June 2011 Kajang Lutheran Outreach (Service)
3rd July 2011 Charis Lutheran Outreach, Seremban, 9.00am
5th July 2011 Pastors Conference, K.L (Planning 2012)
12th July 2011 LCA BFM Visitation, K.L.
17th July 2011 Taiping Lutheran Outreach, Taiping, 9.00 am
20th July 2011 DC Meeting, Diocesan Conference Room, 7.30pm
30th - 31st July 2011 Gemas Lutheran Outreach (Visit &
Service)
6th August 2011 Taman Sentosa Lutheran Outreach Klang (Opening
Service)
7th August 2011 Holy Cross, Port Klang 37th Anniversary / 2nd
Anniversary ELCM Womens
Care & Counseling Centre, Port Klang
13th August 2011 ELCM 110th Anniversary Thanksgiving Dinner,
K.L, 7.30pm
17th August 2011 DC Meeting, Diocesan Conference Room,
7.30pm
20th - 21st August 2011 Batu Pahat Lutheran Outreach, Johor
7th September 2011 DC Meeting, Diocesan Conference Room,
7.30pm
16th - 18th September 2011 Diocesan Assembly
11th October 2011 DC Meeting, Diocesan Conference Room,
7.30pm
12th October 2011 STM Council Meeting K.L, 3pm
19th October 2011 CCM Board of Management K.L, 9.30am
21st October 2011 STM Graduation Dinner, Seremban, 7.00pm
22nd October 2011 STM Graduation Service, Seremban, 4.00pm
6th November 2011 Good Samaritan, K.L. 9.00am (Anniversary
Service)
9th November 2011 DC Meeting, Diocesan Conference Room,
7.30pm
14th -19th November 2011 LCA ELCM Consultation, Adelaide
27th November 2011 Candle Light Fellowship, K.L.
7th December 2011 DC Meeting, Diocesan Conference Room,
7.30pm
24th December 2011 Zion Cathedral, Christmas Eve Service
31st December 2011 / 1st January 2012 Bishops New Year Service,
Zion Cathedral
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INTRODUCTIONBishop Dr. Solomon Rajah, in his introductory
remarks, expressed great joy in having served the ELCM for his past
20 months. He also thanked the delegates and all others who had
served in various capacities in the process of strengthening and
expanding the ELCM.
Bishop then drew the attention of the delegates to Nehemiah
(1-13) in the Bible adding that although he was called a lesser
prophet because his book is short, but his achievements in what he
did for the Lord was, nevertheless, not in anyway less.
God had, raised champions in Ezra and Nehemiah to rebuild the
Temple while Nehemiah was given the responsibility of building the
wall surrounding the city of Jerusalem of his time.
THE WALLBishop then invited the Assembly to explore the
following three pertinent questions with him: (i) Why did God raise
Nehemiah to build the wall?(ii) What is the significance of the
wall?(iii) What is the significance of the wall to us today?
The wall was seen as the first line of defence for the
protection of the Temple and in many ways acted as a moral boundary
and in a spiritual sense the wall restricted the sacred space of
the Temple.
JESUS IS THE TRUE TEMPLE The Temple that Ezra built, Bishop
stated, was destroyed and rebuilt again by Herod and it too was
destroyed. And God raised a new Temple for all humanity in Jesus
Christ. If Jesus Christ is our Temple, then the question of what is
the boundary of this new Temple or the moral authority or sacred
space is not the correct question but rather who is the moral
boundary and authority of Jesus; and who creates that sacred space
of this new Temple... these are the new questions we need to
ask.
THE DUTY OF THE CHRISTIANIn our modern society, the people are
influenced by religion from all angles. Even the radio and
television bombard us with religion. The web has become another
powerful medium to attack Christ. Amidst all these clamour and
noise the reality is that he saw was
BISHOPS ADDRESS AT THE 47th DIOCESAN ASSEMBLY (DA)
Le Paris Hotel & Resorts, Port Dickson17th 19th September
2010
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN MALAYSIA
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BISHOPS ADDRESS AT THE 47th DIOCESAN ASSEMBLY (DA)
...we must not forget our commitment to our own Christian
contribution to the rich history in the development of Tamil
language and culture
that the noisy world was drowning our proclamation of peace with
God. Bishop went on to say that this situation must change.
A CHURCH THAT DOES NOT PLAN Bishop said that a Church that does
not plan and prepare for the future may not die but it may not
grow. Bishop added that we could not afford to be a static Church
and that we needed to go out there in the name of Jesus to proclaim
the good news and draw all people to him. We are the voice that
stands in the frontier of the wall that calls for the workers to
come. Bishop then urged the delegates to help build the broken wall
around Jesus our Temple.
GROWTH IS CHANGETo accomplish growth, Bishop stated, we need to
embrace change without which nothing else will happen. Change is
always difficult and it upsets many people because there is comfort
in not changing. Bishop further added that if we must grow, we must
change. We must give room to allow change in our life and in the
lives of those whom we love.
SO WE PLAN Bishop Dr. Solomon Rajah emphasized that all our
planning is to empower our members to live and witness faithfully.
He informed that in order to alleviate the suffering that was
caused by change, he had set upon a programme which he had launched
in the year 2009 as our 5-year Plan. Bishop then went on to outline
the following four reasons why we plan at all:
i) We need a 5-year Plan to focus our attention, and not be
paralysed by fears;
ii) We must plan and set targets in order to measure our
growth;
iii) We must plan realistically in order to draw upon our ELCM
strength;
iv) We must critique ourselves with confidence and love so that
we can correct ourselves.
To further elucidate our 5-year Plan, Bishop pointed out that
the Plan was meant to find expression and implementation as DC Plan
of Action at two levels; (a) Diocesan; and (b) Congregational. So
when the Diocese sends out circulars or papers outlining targets,
these twin levels are always
present: (a) Congregational renewal, and (b) Diocesan
revitalisation. Bishop stressed that we needed to keep these two
levels in balance and deal with them. Saying that there would be
the inevitable difficulties and shortcomings, Bishop urged the
delegates to move forward for what will build the wall and not what
will tear us down. Bishop further informed that it was in this
spirit that we developed the Each One Reach One Each Year Growth
Campaign with an emphasis on the personal, and the DC Plan of
Action (for the congregations) 2010 2014 with the emphasis on the
congregational life. Although there was a good degree of growth,
Bishop added that we needed to see more. Bishop also expressed his
personal happiness in relation to the openings of Rumah Luther Ria
in Port Dickson on 5th July 2010 and the ELCM Womens Care and
Counselling Centre in Port Klang on 29th August 2010. He conveyed
his appreciation to all parties for their assistance and commitment
to the these new ministries.
FORESEEABLE CHALLENGES FOR 2011Stating that foreseeable
challenges in the ministry would always remain political in nature
in Malaysia, Bishop stressed the importance of understanding our
Muslim neighbours and their customs, especially when dealing with
people in authority. He also said that while we encouraged English
for education and progress we must not forget our commitment to our
own Christian contribution to the rich history in the development
of Tamil language and culture. Touching on the issue of our young
people leaving the country and settling elsewhere in the world. To
address this, Bishop said that the ELCM might have to clarify and
formulate our own thoughts on what we should do about this
disheartening situation.
CONCLUSIONIn concluding his address, Bishop Dr. Solomon Rajah
said that he was greatly inspired by the Prophet Nehemiah who had
to build the wall to restore the Temple. Adding that the prophet
had to marshal the people to the task. Bishop pointed out that the
Church needed everyone to come and build the living Temple of
Jesus, not the Temple in Jerusalem. He invited everyone to come
together to build the wall, our ELCM, so that God might restore
Jesus a Temple in our hearts and the congregations. Bishop ended
his address by emphasising that we would grow because God loved
this Church of ours.
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Our Condolences...
Rev. A John Thangaraj Rev. A. John Thangaraj was born 1st July
1924 in Madurai in South India and entered into eternal rest on 8th
July 2010 in Singapore at the age of 87. He served as the voluntary
pastor of Our Redeemer Congregation Singapore which was one of the
ELCMS Congregations until ELCM withdrew its work from Singapore and
the congregation become part of Lutheran Church in Singapore. He
continued to serve as a voluntary pastor in the new church until
his physical condition did not allow him to contune. We thank God
for his faithful service to our church and express our heartfelt
condolences to his wife and family members.
Mr. S. Fredericks John Mr. S. Fredericks John was born on
29.12.1932 and entered into eternal rest on 01.09.2010. He was a
retired Warrant Officer I of the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) and
was also a long-standing member of the Cheras Lutheran Congregation
Local Council. The funeral service was on 03.09.2010 at Zion
Cathedral followed by burial at Cheras Christian cemetery, Kuala
Lumpur. We thank God for his faithful service to our church and
express our hearfelt condolences to his wife, children and other
family members.
Rev. A.S. Muthiah - Rev. Asirvatham Samuel Muthiah was born on
18.02.1919 at Pandur, Madras, South India and was called to the
Lord on 13.09.2010. Rev. Muthiah was ordained as a pastor on the
first sunday of June 1949 at Sirkali Lutheran Church by Rt Rev.
Sandegren, the Bishop of T.E.L.C. Rev. Muthiah was transferred to
Kuala Lumpur from India to take up pastoral duties at Zion Church.
He also served the LCMS after June 1976. We thank God for his
faithful service to our church and express our heartfelt
condolences to his loved ones.
Madam Grace Thangarathinam Doss - Madam Grace Thangarathinam
Doss, wife of the late S.A. Das, went home to be with the Lord at
the age of 94 years on 03.11.2010. The funeral service was held on
04.11.2010 at the St. Marys Cathedral Jalan Raja Kuala Lumpur
followed by burial at the Cheras Christian cemetery, Kuala
Lumpur.
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ELCM Womens Care & Counselling Centre (ELCM - WCCC)The ELCM
Womens Care & Counselling Centre was officially launched by
Bishop on 29th August 2010. The centre is organising a training
programme for volunteers from the 3rd to the 5th of December 2010
at Holy Cross Lutheran Church. It shall be conducted by the staff
of LCMS, USA. Those who are interested in participating in this
training programme are cordially requested to attend so as to serve
in the centre at a later date on a short or long-term basis.
The centre which operates on a non-profit basis urgently appeals
to all congregations in the ELCM for a lap-top, LCD overhead
projector, fax machine, 3 air-conditioner units (1.5hp or 2hp),
filing cabinet, refrigerator and dining table. The centre also
requires volunteers to help out in its various activities.
Kindly contact Rev. Sritharan (010-273 8248) or Centre
Supervisor Elizabeth (016 - 649 4365) for more information on the
centre.
Taman Keledang Emas Lutheran Outreach - The Taman Keledang Emas
Lutheran Outreach, Ipoh initiated a childrens ministry on 1.5.2010
with 15 children. Currently there are 35 children participating in
this ministry.
Taman Sri Sentosa Lutheran Outreach - The Taman Sri Sentosa
Lutheran Outreach, Klang was initiated by Brother Easupillay. 20 -
25 members attend worship services every Saturday commencing at
7.00pm.
Parit Raja Lutheran Outreach - The Parit Raja Lutheran Outreach,
Batu Pahat commenced operations in November 2009 when Kanaga (right
- front row) was warded in Batu Pahat & Johor Baru ICUs for
congenital heart disease / metastase. God miraculously touched her
and since then weekly visitations have begun involving people. A
total of 4 people have been baptised and are now attending
confirmation classes.
Cheras Lutheran Congregations Sinhalese Service - Cheras
Lutheran Congregation held its inaugural Sinhalese service on the
7th of November, 2010. The service was held in the afternoon and
attended by 70 people. The idea to conduct the Sinhalese service
arose from the burden shared by Brother Kamal Joshua and his
family. The special speaker for the service was Rev. Asoka Perera
from Sri Lanka.
ELCM NEW OUTREACH MINITRIES
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Rumah Chrestus moved to its new rented premises at 49, Jalan
Pakis 3, Taman Fern Grove, 43200 Cheras, Selangor on 1st September
2010. n
Rev. Abraham Charles from the United Kingdom conducted
evangelistic meetings at Zion Cathedral from the 09th to the 10th
of September 2010. n
The 47th Diocesan Assembly held from the 17th to the 19th of
September 2010 at the Le Paris Hotel & Resorts, Port Dickson
was successfully concluded. n
Mdm. Priscilla Parimala Devi was appointed Warden of the
Lutheran Womens Hostel, Kuala Lumpur effective 1st
October 2010. n
Mrs. Julia Puspamala of Wangsa Maju Congregation represented the
ELCM at the LWF Global Consultation (Scholarship Programme
Evaluation) held in Montreux, Switzerland from the 5th to the 8th
of October, 2010. n
Rev. Dr. S. Andrews received his doctorate in IT from Multimedia
University, Malacca in July 2010. n
Central District Bible Quiz was held on the 31st of July 2010.
The number of children who participated in this event was about
50.
DYC Central District Youth Camp themed Chosen Generation was
held at the Malaysia Bible Seminary, Rawang from the 20th to the
21st of August 2010. More than 80 youths from the Central District
churches participated in this camp. n
Candidates Jan Phillips, Peter Retnam, Andrews Samraj,
Anbunathan Samuel, Jegadas Kuvala Krishnan, Samuel Packianathan and
G. Sritharan were ordained by Bishop Dr. Solomon Rajah on 27th of
August 2010. n
DWC Womens Convention 2010, themed Christian Women as Agents of
Transformation was held at Pangkor Village Beach Resort from 13th
to the 15th of August 2010. The convention was attended by 76 women
from various ECLM congregations. n
ELCM Events / News Updates
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22 23 23
The Bishop was one of the VIPs at the official opening of the
Little India Project in Brickfields on 27th October 2010 by the
Prime Minister Dato Seri Najib Tun Razak and the Indian Prime
Minister H.E. Dr. Manmohan Singh. This indeed is a rare honour for
our church. n
Rev. Dr. Aruldoss Gnanamuthu, Founder Director of the Lambs
Institute of Field Evangelism, Madurai, South India was the main
speaker for the Mission Convention held in Malacca from the 12th to
the 14th of November 2010. The theme of the convention was
Strengthening & Expanding in Mission. The number of
participants at the Convention was 40. n
Evangelist Kumarimuthu from Tamil Nadu, South India conducted
evangelistic meetings at Zion Cathedral, Holy Cross, New Jerusalem,
Good Samaritan, Cheras Lutheran and Putra Perdana Congregations,
Kuala Lumpur and also in Seremban, Labis, Meru Congregations, and
Bethesda and Holy Trinity Congregations in Teluk Intan. More than
2,000 people were touched by his testimony and preaching in the
said churches. Evangelist Kumarimuthu arrived
in Malaysia on the 29th of October 2010 and left for home on the
14th of November 2010. Evangelist Kumarimuthu also gave his
testimony and shared Gods Word during the Mission Convention held
in Malacca from the 12th to the 14th of November 2010. n
Rumah Luther Ria, Port Dickson is happy to announce that the
Port Dickson Town Council has given its approval for it to operate
as a training centre for epileptic & intellectually - disabled
children. Rev. Dr. Thomas Paulsteiner and his wife from Mission
Einewelt
visited Luther Ria on 19.11.2010. Please uphold the management
committee, staff and children in your prayers. n
Rev. G. Siritaran was engaged to Ms. Rachael Raveendran on
27th
of November 2010 in Seberang Prai. n
The Bishop officially declared open the Lutheran Book Centre on
28th November 2010 at 11.00am. n
ELCM Womens Care & Counselling Centre, Port Klang Training
for volunteers to meet the needs of the centre was conducted by Mr.
Edward Szeto and Ms. Tamara of the LCMS World Relief Human Care
from the 3rd of December to the 5th of December 2010. n
The LWF has jointly appointed the ELCM and LCMS to host the Asia
Church Leadership Consultation in Kuala Lumpur from the 10th to the
13th of March 2011. The Bishop together with some ELCM members
would be part of the organizing committee for this consultation.
n
A Thanksgiving Service to commemorate 110 years of Lutheran
Ministry & Service (1901-2011) would be held on the 13th of
August, 2011 at the HGH Convention Centre, Kuala Lumpur. The
highlights of the service would be a dinner fellowship and
presentations by the various ELCM congregations. Please uphold this
event and the organising committee in your prayers. More details on
the
event will be given next year. n
Diocesan Childrens Bible Camp was held in Port Dickson Lutheran
Centre from 19th to 21st November 2010. About 70 over children
participated in this camp organised by the Diocesan Sunday School
Committee. n
ELCM Events / News Updates
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2424
ELCM PROGRAMME FOR 2011
Approved by the Diocesan Council (13th July 2010)** NoteFOR
INFORMATION: Please table this programme for 2011 at your Local
Council Meetings.
JW Committee
Leadership Training
IN-CHARGE