Club Chaplain, Pastor Zac Zachariah, addressed Reds fans this Christmas.
This is my first message as the new Club Chaplain to the Barnsley FC supporters.
It’s a privilege to share some thoughts with you all, especially at this special time of Christmas. This season marks our national tradition for celebrating the birth of Jesus. He still remains the reason for the season!
In spite of these times of economic uncertainty and lack, I find that quality time with family and friends still remains golden! In this season it’s not just about focusing on religion, but more on relationships.
We all hope for a better tomorrow as the year comes to an end, even our club whom we have seen rising from strength to strength and building back from disappointments. As we overcome each challenge, we are setting up our club to move onwards and upwards! Keep it up guys!
As I make my rounds on a Thursdays, and on matchdays, I constantly watch staff working tirelessly. They always aim for excellence, and are a solid example to us all, of authenticity, passion and commitment.
This year – on the global scene – life has been quite eventful. The news of Russia’s land grabbing in the Ukraine, homelessness and immigration issues in the UK, income challenge and industry strikes! It reminds me of the scenario at the time of Jesus’ birth, where the Romans were land grabbing from the Jews, who were then put under persecution, just like the Ukrainians. The Shepherds were poor, the wise men migrated from the East, Herod’s government was unstable, and Mary and Joseph were without shelter! It all sounds so familiar!
The above can all be considered human rights issues, that is why this year, as we note an increase in human rights awareness across the world, our Club’s active participation in the promotion of safety for humanity is more than commendable and could not be timelier!
It’s also been interesting to watch the World Cup – teams from different nations battle it out with each other. There have been victories, disappointments, comebacks, and some real surprises! England was at its best, but still had to face a sad departure. Cristiano Ronaldo’s exit and Lionel Messi’s comeback all made for interesting viewing to be sure! But in spite of the good the bad, and the ugly…everybody will be up for doing it all over again. What would happen in our lives, or our Club, if we decide to operate with the same tenacity!
I am anticipating meeting Darren Moore, manager of Sheffield Wednesday, in the New Year. I cannot forget that he is a committed Christian, who once played for Barnsley as a defender. I am looking forward to our team facing them in January…let’s go!
In the words of our former much respected Chaplain, Peter Amos who recently stepped down: “I am sure many of us will find a way to enjoy our Christmas despite the circumstances we find ourselves in. We are fighters, resilient and extremely resourceful.”
Great words, Peter, thank you!
Let me finish by remembering the words of Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, who sadly passed this year: “For me, the life of Jesus Christ, the prince of peace, whose birth we celebrate, is an inspiration and an anchor in my life. A role model of reconciliation and forgiveness, he stretched out his hands in love, acceptance and healing.”
May you all experience the truth of her Christmas sentiment and look forward to a blessed and prosperous New Year!
God bless you all!
Pastor Zac Zachariah
Club Chaplain
