ENLIGHTEN ME ABOUT CHRISTMAS
Christmas is when we celebrate the birth of Jesus and all its implications. I’d like to share two enlightening prophecies spoken about Jesus. The first was said a few months before the first Christmas and the second was said a few days after.
“because of the tender mercy of our God,
by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven
79 to shine on those in the darkness
and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the path of peace.” (Luke 1:78-79)
The first Christmas was an expression of God’s tenderness. God knows we are in the dark about so many things and trapped there. Jesus was sent as a light to dispel both darkness and death. Jesus is our ‘rising sun’ who will guide anyone from darkness to light, from death to life, from war to peace with God. Jesus is so committed to our success that he would give his life for us, he would die on the cross for us, bearing the judgment of our dark deeds and thoughts.
Eight days after Jesus’ birth the prophet Simeon sheds further light on the plans of God.
For my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, a light to bring revelation to the nations… (Luke 2:30-32)
God sent Jesus not for some people, but for all peoples. Christmas is not a white western holiday, it is an act of tenderness towards all nationalities. People need to know about God’s tenderness in Christ. People need some light in this dark world. People need to hear your faith and see it too. Don’t withhold it from anyone because God calls everyone.
Denis Oliver