(Rom 12:16 NKJV) Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.

Amongst the glittery lights of Christmas celebration in Singapore, the "at your face" mode of evangelism has been replaced by a message that "Christmas is love" and the message of harmony amongst the different races and religions. Christmas was a celebration for all, whether Christians or non Christians.

This message was most reflective in the banner of the Christian groups in Orchard, with most prophetically a rainbow coloured wave and a message below in Chinese and English about love. It is love that is missing in this world where religious fundamentalism has led to much conflicts and violence against the innocent as seen in the war on terror in America and the attempt by many for mass destruction with a deep religious motives.

The message was not lost at the Tang's shopping center banner which reads "Live in harmony with one another Rom 12:16". In light of the many issues this year involving mega churches (Lighthouse and New Creation) antagonising other religious groups and the GLBT community, the message of harmony is particularly refreshing. For many years the churches have been particularly reactive culminating in the stand-off in the Aware saga where the Anglicans tried to take over a secular group on the pre-text that this group was supporting gays when it was a women's group.

The message was brought home in the Straits Times Sunday Times in the article "O come, all ye faithful" on 19 Dec 2010 concerning the various church services in Singapore. There were three poignant remarks:-

• Of Kampong Kapor Methodist church inviting leaders of other faith to join in its services, to bring home the message of tolerance and respect,

• the mention of a Free Community Church which the article says is a 180 member church mainly of Generation Z members - young adults aged 20 and under - and people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender planning to stage a drama - "together again" at the Arts House on Christmas day

• the final paragraph of the article "There was no room for Jesus at the first Christmas, so, this year, let's all make room for one another in our hearts" perhaps hint at acceptance of people not like us. Indeed, many GLBT Christians have been kicked out of churches or not allowed to be in any ministry just for being gay much like what happened in America because of DADT.

 

Perhaps, we are finally seeing a miracle of God's love, grace and mercy this Christmas to the GLBT community in Singapore when previously it was a group that was incredibly despised. God is indeed moving, slowly it seems, but inevitably. The gay tribe is indeed coming home, for My house shall be a house of prayer for all nations and people groups.

 (Isa 56:7 NKJV) Even them I will bring to My holy mountain, And make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices Will be accepted on My altar; For My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations."