THE MESSAGE NOW
Vol. 3, No. 52 – Monday, 24th December, 2018
(Is.9:6-7, Matt.1:18-25)
HIS FATHER’S SPECIAL GIFT AND THE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS
Stories like history can be sometimes dead or lost out of thought. But the good thing is that by means of recollection, revisit to archives or recourse to living memory of the aged, they can be revived and retold.
You probably have heard the story below but forgotten it over time. This reproduction then is a recall to mind the story about that father and his son. The story has it that a wealthy father had a number of children. Before his death, he distributed his known wealth to all his children. However, something strange happened. His best child was bewildered in uncommon disappointment because his loving father gave him nothing other than a Bible.
In rage, he threw the Bible somewhere and forgot about it. Months and years rolled on but his attention was never drawn to that Bible. But as events always have it, a turn of attitude took over the atmosphere around him one faithful day.
Suddenly, he decided to pick up the Bible—gift given to him by his father. As he picked it up, a key dropped from within the Bible. It was the key for the car he had requested for whilst his father was yet alive. Amazed and affectioned, he could not but appreciate his father the more for his care, thoughtfulness and unusual love. But the car was now out of fashion, outdated and probably badly-conditioned.
Christmas, as it is often viewed by most people, is merely a moment to celebrate, share gifts and merry with one another. That is true. But if that is all that Christmas means to us, then the original meaning and purpose of Christmas is utterly defeated. In that case, Christmas becomes no more than the usual festivity like every other one.
But the meaning and purpose of Christmas is extreme happiness accompanied by the reflection that a special gift was given to us for our present and eternal happiness, our deliverance and ultimate relief.
It means then that Christmas is an every moment celebration for the believer Christian. For Christ (the Blessed One) was not born on 25 December any way! So then, whilst we go around visiting friends and families, merrying and celebrating, let us remember the reason for the celebration. That sole reason for this season is Christ.
IN THE END, CHRISTMAS WITHOUT CHRIST AND HIS SAVING GRACE ALREADY FUNCTIONING IN THE HEART OF MAN IS EQUAL TO ZERO – WORTHLESS EMPTINESS. CHRIST IS THAT SPECIAL KEY KEPT IN THE BIBLE AND IN LIFE ABLE TO UNLOCK THE ENTIRE TREASURY AND ARMOURY OF THE GODHEAD FOR THE FREE USE OF MAN. DO NOT KEEP HIM ASIDE BUT EMBRACE HIM TODAY FOR MONTHS AND YEARS LATER MAY BE TOO LATE.
Question and Answer Section:
Question: How many wise men gave three gifts to the Lord Jesus in the manger where He was born?
Answer: No figure given.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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ALTAR CALL:
Backslidden – living in sin – needing fresh recommitment (say):
Christ Jesus, You are the Anointed One of the Most High. I come to you today as I am. In your mercy, help me out of my situation. Heal my soul, my spirit, my body, my life and my destiny. I acknowledge you as the only true lover of my soul. Please, deliver me on every side and save me through and through. I promise from the depth of my soul to be yours from henceforth, in Jesus name. Help me now O God. Be my Lord, my Saviour and my all in all from this day. Thank you Lord (read Ps.54 in closing and pray more).
HYMN: Once In Royal David City
PRAY NOW:
Merry in the Lord: appreciate Him for His kindness.
Worship God for giving up His only begotten Son. Make this your daily attitude.
MERRY CHRISTMAS.
