WFJ DECEMBER 2015

DIRECTOR’S LETTER

 

Dear friends,

 

Recent Islamic terror attacks have challenged the western world in a new way and many nations are beginning to understand they need to prepare for and even expect a rise in violence in the years ahead. One European head of security recently suggested the Western nations learn from Israel how to deal with terrorism; it was indeed the Israeli security service Mossad which prevented a major attack at a German soccer game just a day after the Paris attacks.

 

At the same time, Europeans are concerned about the influx of more than a million immigrants from mostly Muslim countries into the West. It is surely a time when nations are shaken and people are filled with fear of the things to come.

 

In this context, the Christmas story offers incredible consolation. The prophet Isaiah lived in a time when the Assyrian Empire was rising; according to historians it was one of the cruellest powers in history, with Assyrians indiscriminately killing children, women and the elderly. As this dark rule of terror arose, the prophet saw the coming hope of the world: 

 

“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end… ” (Isaiah 9:6–7).

 

Today the answer to our world’s problems is still the coming of Jesus Christ. The reach of His kingdom is ever-expanding, even in the midst of the greatest chaos. We see this today in the Arab Nations, where the Holy Spirit is touching many of the Muslims in spite of the chaos that ISIS and other militias are inflicting, and similarly in the West! On my last trip to Germany, in every city I visited stories were shared of Syrian refugees coming to Christ!

 

“Of the increase of His government there is no end!” This is my Christmas greeting to you from Jerusalem. I hope you enjoy reading this newest edition of the Word from Jerusalem!

 

Yours in Christ,