“Before long, the world will not see Me anymore, but you will see Me. Because I live, you also will live.” – John 14:19 (NIV)
As we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ during this festive season, let us remember that His ultimate mission was to die for the sins of this world (John 3:16). Indeed, on the day of this special birth, the brightest star among the constellation of stars was used to identify the birthplace of Jesus, the Bright and Morning Star. It was a celebration to behold as the Magi presented gifts of Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh, which represent kingship, worship, and death respectively.
In addition, the book of Luke 2:8-20 informed that the angel of the Lord appeared among the shepherds who were tending their sheep and announced the birth of the Shepherd King as the Messiah, Saviour, and Lord. After sharing this good news, they began praising God by saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on the earth to those of whom His favour rests” – Luke 2:13-14 (NIV).
Brethren, from Jesus’ birth, persons were trying to kill or distract Him, beginning with King Herod. At the commencement of His Ministry, satan himself tried to tempt Jesus to abort His mission of Salvation but failed miserably. He also influenced the Jews to pick up rocks to stone for Jesus for blasphemy (John 10:31-42). In the midst of persecution, Jesus still preached the message of Salvation, love, and forgiveness. He still healed the sick, raised the dead, multiplied two fish and five loaves, and fed the multitudes (Matthew14:13-21).
Beloved, the Christians’ Good News is not confined to a declaration that God has spoken. It affirms that God has acted. As believers, we can attest to the fact that we were both ignorant and sinful. God, through Christ, has revealed Himself to us to dispel our ignorance and then performed a selfless, sacrificial act on the cross to save us from our sins – “For the Son of man came to seek and save the lost” – Luke 19:10 (NIV)]. We are living testimonies of His transformational power: “For in Him we live and move and have our being…” – Acts 17:28 (NIV).
Read: Psalm 18:46; Luke 4:29-30
Bible Reading Guide: Proverbs 31:1-9; Revelation 14:1-13; Ezra 8:15-36; Ezra 9
