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THE REASON FOR CHRISTMAS

Categories: From The Rector

On the night Jesus was born in a manger for lack of room at the Inn, some shepherds were shepherding their flock nearby. The Angel of the Lord appeared to them and said: “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11). This was like no other child. The expected Messiah had been born into the world. This called for celebration of the Angels and men. Luke’s account went on to say that suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,  “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”  So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been  told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.  But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. (Luke 2:12-20). This was the true spirit of Christmas. Joy the overcomes every pain and disappointment.

The year 2013 brought us so many challenges. For many families it was a real struggle for them to make it through. Equally, 2013 brought us so many victories. God practically enabled us to walk through thorns and thistles. We prevailed over Satan and the Lord has promised never to leave us nor forsake us. The Book of Isaiah called Jesus “Emmanuel” meaning; “God With Us.” We should never lose hope whatever the circumstance because our enemy, the devil is a defeated foe and the birth of Jesus brings us good news of great Joy.

Christmas should be a season of great joy. It is a time of God showing His great love for us. It can be a time of healing and renewed strength. You see, Christmas is when we celebrate the birth of the Christ child. God sent His Son, Jesus, into the world to be born. His birth brought great joy to the world. Shepherds, wise men, and angels all shared in the excitement of knowing about this great event. They knew this was no ordinary baby. The prophets had told of His coming hundreds of years before.The star stopped over Bethlehem just to mark the way for those who were looking for this special child. Jesus is the reason for Christmas. We celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

We wish all members of St. John’s Church, our friends and indeed all Christians, a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.