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Christmas is here. Preparations for celebrations are on
in churches. It is a time for followers of Christ to
get-together, give gifts and to be merry. Sharing the
love of Christ through words and materials are the main
agenda of the churches during the season.
The birth of Jesus Christ was not a usual and natural
incident. It happened according to the plan and purpose
of God. His intention of coming to this world is not to
form one more religion or to constitute another
organization. He came as a Jew among Jews but never
preached the religion of Judaism. There were no
Christians in the world at that time. The purpose of his
coming was not to condemn anyone in this world. For the
Word says:
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and
only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish
but have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn
the world, but to save the world through him. Joh 3:16
-17
Christmas being the most significant event in the
history of the world, the birth Jesus Christ who
abolished death and brought life and immortality is
worthy of celebration in its true meaning and spirit.
Jesus is an outstanding character; anyone might wish to
follow Him. His mission to save the lost, heal the sick
and to comfort the afflicted was unique. He is the
leader who introduced servant leadership and won
millions’ heart without the use of swords or explosives.
Being the Son of God, He introduced himself as the Son
of man He said : "The Son of Man did not come to be
served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom
for many." (Matt. 20:28).
Those were the times a leper was considered untouchable
and forsaken by his/her family and friends. When one of
them approached Him for healing, Jesus not only cleansed
him but touched and restored him back to the society.
That very process further gave him the confidence to
live in the society along with his family and friends.
Jesus came to find the lost. His parable on the lost
sheep gives the idea that while caring about the one who
is with Him, He is always concerned about the lost one.
And, had there been a single sinner in the world Jesus
would have come to find and save him. Zaccheus was a man
of fame and wealth but having no joy in his life. He had
no joy and hope in his life though he possessed a lot of
wealth. Jesus was born to find and fill him with joy and
hope. Now he says, 'I was lost but now am found for
Jesus filled my heart with the joy of salvation that my
accumulated wealth could not give.'
Finally, Jesus was born to restore all those who walk in
guilt, with a bad conscious and in despair. The parable
of the prodigal son narrates God's unique method of
restoration. God’s love for sinners is well expressed
here. When the prodigal son came back after squandering
his father’s wealth on prostitutes, his pleaded to be
restored to his father’s house at least as a servant
(Luke 15:21). He wanted to stay out with his guilty
conscious as he didn’t feel worthy enough to consider
himself as the son of his father. The attitude of the
father towards this son who felt guilty and depressed is
entirely different from usual reactions. He not only
accepted him but also took away his guilt and depression
and restored him perfectly as a son. God takes our guilt
away so that we will have hope and joy in our heart.
Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. He is
continuing the same healing work He did about 2000 years
ago. He died on a cross like a criminal on our behalf to
take away our sins and to give us the promised Holy
Spirit. He resurrected from the dead and continues to do
the same restorative work in those lives that approach
Him. Jesus' birth is good news forever for all.
Merry Christmas!
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