Dear Brethren and Friends,
A popular occasion that is almost celebrated around the globe is none other than Christmas Day which generates much excitement, publicity and festivity. Sadly, few would remember Christmas properly and understand its true meaning and reality.
The true spirit of Christmas surrounds a Person and we ought not to change or mix it with secular consumerism. The incarnation of Jesus Christ is the greatest wonder of all times and the mystery of salvation is meant to be comprehended by mankind.
1 Timothy 3:16,
“And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness:
God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit,
seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world,
received up into glory.”
The Reception of the Saviour by the Shepherds
In this present world of mass communication, it is noteworthy that this first advent of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is made publicly known to a small group of lowly shepherd, watching their flock by night (Matthew 2:2-10). The angelic host proclaimed to them,
“Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11).
The shepherds could not contain the magnificent news; they rejoiced and went in search of the Blessed Child in a manger in Bethlehem. As a result of this, they went all over, spreading abroad the glad tidings of great joy concerning the child Jesus (Luke 2:17). How do you respond with the knowledge of the good news of salvation that we have received through Christ Jesus? Do we hide the glorious message of redemption or do we also publish it abroad to friends and loved ones around us? Jesus says to a man healed of his demon possession, in Mark 5:19,
“Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.”
Let us make this Christmas a meaningful and blessed occasion of Gospel sharing and carolling the good news, praying that some may be saved. Everlasting peace, hope and joy must be shared to many who are still in sin under condemnation and heading for eternity in hell. If you are not a Christian, receive the Lord Jesus Christ today as your Saviour and enjoy the peace with God and the peace of God.
The Reception of the Saviour by the Wise Men
Wise men from the East came in search of a new born King guided by a Star (Matthew 2:1-2). It was prophesised in Micah 5:2 that the birth place of Christ would be Bethlehem Ephratah, about 750 years before the birth of Jesus Christ and this was fulfilled when Mary and Joseph came back to Bethlehem as a result of a census and taxation. The wise men who finally found Jesus, revered Him with grateful worship and adoration, presenting Him with precious gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
How do we respond to Christ as we commemorate Christmas? Do we seek and worship Him wholeheartedly with our entire soul, mind and strength? There is to be no half-hearted service but a totally surrendered and committed life of worship and stewardship that is worthy of Jesus Christ, the Almighty King of kings and Lord of Lords. Like the wise men, let us be seeking Christ and give sacrificially to Him of our substance, time and entire life.
May we be blessed with a spiritually edifying Christmas as we focus wholeheartedly on our Lord Jesus Christ, who is our Lord, our God and our Saviour.
Elder John Leong