MERRY CHRISTMAS!
TEXT:
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." (Lk 2 verse 11, King James Version)
Christmas is the season we remember and celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ; and particularly, God's goodness, kindness and magnanimity in saving mankind through His only Begotten Son. Most of the time, I wonder in my mind what the world would have been had God not sent His Son to save mankind. Again, sometimes, I try to imagine what would have happened had Abraham refused to sacrifice Isaac when God requested it of him.
To me, that transaction was the type or a shadow of the real sacrifice of God's only Begotten Son for the redemption of mankind. God's gift of His Son to redeem mankind is the highest act of a loving God towards His creatures. In actual fact, it's the Creator laying down His Life for His creatures.
I want to let you know that in Christ Jesus, God took the highest risk. The Creator had emptied the totality of Himself in Christ Jesus (Col 1:19, 2:9), who in turn humbled Himself, taking on sinful flesh and came down to rescue mankind from the bondage and captivity of satan, the arch enemy of God and humanity.
Have you ever closed your eyes to imagine what would have happened had Jesus failed or disappointed the Father? Haven't you read of the temptation of Jesus by satan? (Matthew 4 verse 1 to10) Shall we mention the trying agony of Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane? (Matthew 26 verses 36 to 56) Thank God for Jesus whose passion was to please Him that sent Him. Let's continue to remember to give thanks to the Son of God for His faithfulness and obedience to His Father.
Unfortunately, the celebration of Christmas has been limited to the story of Jesus' birth. For the Church, I think that there's a whole lot to grasp following the coming of God's Son into the world. The Christmas season is one that's important both to God and to man. As men, its importance is underscored by the coming of his Saviour and his Redemption. To God, it's the fulfillment of His age long desire to dwell among His creatures and to restore and return them to Himself. God expects that we keep this in mind as we celebrate Christmas. This, therefore, is the true essence of Christmas!
As we celebrate Christmas, let's keep in focus that Christ came to save the lost. To those who have never experienced Jesus as their Lord and Saviour, this season presents to them the opportunity to return to their Maker who's the Reason for the season.
Further, in your joy and celebration at Christmas, keep in your hearts the love of God depicted in the gift of His only Begotten Son to mankind. Reach out to those in need. Show love to the seemingly undeserving ones around you. Forgive those that have offended you. Be available to those that need your attention. Share your earthly blessings with others. Lend a helping hand to the downtrodden. Seek and find the lowly, that you may show them love and assurance in God. This is the spirit of Christmas. I solemnly urge you to maintain its sanctity and not to give in to orgies that are devilish, which are a contradiction of God's intent as far as this season is concerned!
Merry Christmas to you!