from the Leader, Deputy Leader, National Board and Staff

Near the end of another tumultuous year we pause to reflect on the Christ-Child, the God-Man in utero, the pre-existent King of kings and Lord of lords. We reflect on the miracle of Christ's conception and birth, the divine protection of the holy family of the Son of God and the world events that ushered His entry onto the world stage.

As Christmas and the New Year approach we enjoy a time of sacred expectancy. We reflect on the plans God has for us, as individuals, as families and as a nation—plans for our good and not for our harm, plans to expand our future with hope. Yet when we look at the world around us, we can sometimes become discouraged and forget the faithfulness of God. We can sometimes forget that He knows the end from the beginning. We forget that He has laid out our course for us and has given us all we need to run our race successfully.

We think of Joseph and his virgin wife and the challenges they faced: taxation, brutal government, travel hazards and humble accommodations. We think of the insecurity and the jealousy of King Herod which motivated him to seek the life of the newborn King, and the risks Joseph's young family faced as they fled to Egypt where their ancestors had been slaves. All of this happened in God's plan and in God's timing.

We look back on these things from the vantage point of history and we thank Almighty God for His provision, His protection and His guidance for that young family, and the faithfulness and obedience of Joseph and Mary. We know that God has not changed and He still provides, protects and guides.

If we really take the time to meditate on God's miraculous provision for us through the virgin birth of JESUS—His preparation of the heart, His attention to the minutest detail, even Caesar's decree that the world would be taxed - we will see that, in the same way, He has been preparing each of us also for the work He has given us to do in the political realm in these difficult days. His arm is not short; His hand is not weak. His timing is impeccable. What He begins He is able to complete—even in us! He calls us to faithfulness, to obedience, to patience, to boldness.

We will be accused, like Mary was. We will be threatened, like Joseph was. We will be misunderstood, like Jesus was. We are called for such a time as this—to stand in the gap and proclaim the good news that "unto us is born this day in the city of David a saviour, which is Christ the Lord." The world around us desires peace, prosperity, community and security. As Christians, we know the only One through whom such peace can come. As a political party, we can proclaim boldly the principles of justice and restoration which have already been given, and we can declare to all Canadians that a nation which chooses to follow the Prince of Peace will enjoy the favour and blessing of the Most High.

In this season of reflection on the birth of Christ, let us also live in a state of joyful expectancy for what will be birthed in our nation through the faithfulness and prayers of His people. What He has begun, He will complete.

From all of us at CHP National, we wish you and your families a blessed Christmas!