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Publisher’s Note
by Roberto Ugaddan Hello readers, It’s now half of September and soon it will be officially Fall. Not only that when the months starts to end in BER, that means we are almost approaching the end of 2019. It was just like yesterday when we started with the year 2019. There were lots of activities/concerts coming up [...]
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Christmas all aglow…

By Pastor Nilo Briones of Jesus Word of Life International Fellowship

It’s December and winter is hovering around us as many people everywhere are excited in preparing to celebrate Christmas. For Christians, celebration of the birth of our Savior reminds us of that wonderful event that changed the world forever. Moreover, it significantly reminds us of the miracle of the new birth that He created in us being “born again” spiritually when He came into our hearts, saved us from our sins, and made us children of God.

Some would argue that the birth date of Jesus is not December 25th as the Bible does not expressly record it. Theoretically, it may have occurred in the fall season as they claim that the Judean winters were too cold for shepherds to be watching their flocks by night. However, it has been proven by some historical evidence that unblemished lambs for the Temple sacrifice were in fact kept in the fields near Bethlehem during the winter months. Anyway, we can’t be dogmatic about it as what’s essential is not the origin of traditions, but their importance to us today as believers. It would be displeasing to the Lord when Christians look down upon another for either celebrating or not celebrating Christmas. It is spiritual pride when we fell that somehow we have achieved a higher level of spirituality by doing or not doing something about which the Bible is silent. In effect, we misuse our freedom in Christ, create divisions within His church, and thereby dishonor the Lord. As the Bible says in 1 Corinthians 10:31, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” In this respect, if you believe that you can honor and worship God in observing Christmas, then go ahead and gratefully honor and worship God.

What is then the essence of Christmas? Is it gift giving (that sometimes, somehow has commercialized the spirit of the event) which is good if done with noble intention. What is important to realize is the true meaning of Christmas – that because of His great love, the eternal God became a human being in the person of Jesus Christ and dwelt among men to save us of sin. Jesus is indeed the reason for the season, the reason why we celebrate with heartfelt gratitude and thanksgiving because we (believers) will no longer be condemned to suffer in eternal damnation because Jesus already paid the penalty of our sins.

In reflection, where do you stand at this time of the year? Are you feeling low being financially broke, mentally stressed or emotionally downcast complaining that life is unfair? Remember, Jesus did not come to save us only but to show us how to live life to the fullest which means forgiving those who have wronged you and sharing what He has given you to the poor and needy, to those unloved and broken in spirit, and to the lost who needed the loving arms of the Almighty Father. By so doing, we can echo the chorus of angels saying, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14) – have a blissful, merry Christmas!

“Jesus Word of Life International Fellowship” is congregating at the North East Bible Church with the venue at #175 Whitefield Drive NE, Calgary (just a 100-meter walk from Whitehorn C-train station every Saturday with Bible studies at 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. (children/youth/adult) and worship services at 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. followed by food fellowship. If you need to be ministered in prayer, please call Pastor Nilo at (403) 973-0623 or e-mail at [email protected]. Remember, “God’s mission, our mission: to preach the gospel, feed the hungry and share the love of Christ.”

Christmas all aglow…

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