BLESSED CHRISTMAS: THE GOOD NEWS (ISAIAH 53:6)

From the Board of Elders

Dear Members in Christ,                                                                          

Blessed Christmas: The Good News

“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.” Isaiah 53:6

Next Lord’s day is Christmas day! The world at large is busy preparing to celebrate Christmas leading to the day itself. The world sees Christmas as a time of festive seasonal celebration of merriment, shopping, gifting, eating and drinking. The ubiquitous Santa Claus and Santarina greet everyone at commercial shopping centers, restaurants, in media publications and even on airwaves. There are joyful sound and singing in the air. Everyone is caught up and trapped within this worldly joy without knowing the true reason for Christmas. It is void of the reason why!

The reason for Christmas: As Christians, we need to share with the non-believers the true meaning of Christmas. It all begins with God’s love for sinful fallen depraved man. The initial perfect relationship between God and man was broken when man fell into sin! Fallen man can only be reconciled back to God on God’s term and NOT man’s! The all merciful and righteous God demands a perfect sacrifice in order that man may be forgiven and reconciled back to Him.

In days of the Old Testament, healthy, clean and non-blemished animal sacrifices were required for the atonement (forgiveness) of sins. As these sacrifices were not perfect, sinful man has to atone for their sins frequently. God in His mercy and grace, in the fullness of the time (cf. Galatians 4:4), replaces the imperfect with a perfect sacrifice. This perfect sacrifice is found in the perfect lamb of God, the Lord Jesus Christ. With the perfect sacrifice there is no need for repeated sacrifices. This perfect sacrifice is “once and for all”!

“And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.” Hebrews 10:11-14

The Perfect Sacrifice: The Lord Jesus Christ is God’s perfect sacrifice. The Bible tells us that the virgin Mary was God’s chosen vessel for the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ on earth (cf. Galatians 4:4). Jesus was conceived of the Holy Ghost and thus was born without sin. Being without sin, the Lord Jesus Christ, therefore was the perfect sacrifice for the atonement of man’s sin “once and forever”. Thus, this is the reason for Christmas!

Was Jesus born on 25^th December? There is no known record of the exact date and month of Jesus’s birth. Without the exact date and month there are Christian denominations that refuse to celebrate Christmas at all. However, what is important is that history had recorded, without dispute, that there was indeed a man born by the name of Jesus Christ. Therefore, there must be a birth date! The early Church fathers had gathered and determined that the birth of Christ fell on the 25^th December. Since then, through the ages, Christmas is celebrated on 25^th December every year.

(Note: Even in this modern age, there are older folks and people living in the interior or “jungle” areas, who were born but “forgot” their exact day and month of birth. Yet, for official and celebratory purposes, dates and months were chosen to enable them to do so. The important thing is that these people are real and legally confirmed as living individuals).

Christmas Gospel Message: Is short and sweet. Paul wrote “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:” 1 Corinthians 15:3-4.

Yes, salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ is firmly grounded on His death, burial and resurrection on the third day after His death. His resurrection signifies the acceptance of God the Father of the perfect sacrifice. The resurrection also signifies victory over the last enemy of man which is death (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:26). Jesus indeed has “abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel” 2 Timothy 1:10.

Today, Christians have the same victory over death! We received from the Lord Jesus Christ His garment of righteousness, which is perfect and complete as our own garments are as “filthy rags” (cf. Isaiah 64:6). The Prince of Preacher, CH Spurgeon, said “If there be one stitch in the celestial garment of our righteousness which we are to insert ourselves, then we are lost”. Thus, salvation is totally inherent in God’s grace and mercy! We cannot be saved with our own works nor can we purchase with our wealth. We will certainly perish in eternity if left to our own pride and strength.

Salvation is by Grace: Non-believers, in total spiritual darkness, may not fully comprehend that salvation is of the Lord and NOT of works. Some may say that “I cannot see neither do I understand!” Perhaps an illustration, which I had read in a book, “The Reason Why” by Robert Laidlaw will help.

“But I can’t see it,” said the furniture-maker as a friend tried to explain to him. At last, an idea came to his friend, who, lifting a plane (a hand plane, used in carpentry, is a tool for shaping and smoothing wood surfaces), made as though he would plane (smooth) the top of a finished beautifully polished table nearby.

“Stop!” cried the furniture-maker. “Don’t you see that’s finished? You’ll simply ruin it (the smooth surface) if you use that plane on it!”

“Why,” replied the friend, “that’s just what I have been trying to show you about Christ’s work of redemption. It was finished, on the cross, when He gave His life for you, and if you try to add to that finished work you only spoil it. Just accept it as it stands - His life is for yours, and you go free.” In a flash, the furniture-maker saw it, and received Jesus Christ into his life as His Lord and Saviour.

No more work is needed to receive your salvation: If you are an unbeliever, do you still believe that you need to work your own salvation? Or you just cannot believe that salvation in Christ is simply to believe? Dear friends, no more work is needed. The Lord Jesus Christ had finished this salvific work for you on the cross! Just simply believe. It is by God’s grace.

Urgent call: To the unbelievers, may you have a joyous Christmas knowing that salvation is yours if you so will. May you cry out to the Lord today and say “Help my unbelief, O God. Let me come to Thee in repentance of my sins to receive salvation. Come to my heart, Lord Jesus. Amen.”

In Christ,
Eld. Choe Tong Seng