Why should you be invited to life? Aren’t you living already? Or is there life beyond life as we know it? These are important questions. The answers can impact your life more than you can imagine.
Let me invite you to look at this grand statement of truth in the Bible which says: “In him was life, and that life was the light of men.”1
In Jesus was found true life. That means the life of God himself. A life that showed to us that there is hope when everything around us is filled with despair; joy even when there is heartbreak; light in the midst of thick darkness; forgiveness we do not deserve; and life that death cannot steal.
His life shows you that God is merciful, compassionate, good, and kind-hearted. His life is always a welcome to you to reach out and grip his nail-pierced hands which bled on the cross for you.
There is something about Jesus that is full of life—abundant life, eternal life, and joy-filled life. There is peace in his life that is not absence from activities but the calm and serene authority in the midst of being busy at the marketplace.
And he is your invitation to life—life which has the expectant hope of some day being like him and enjoying the presence of God.
This life is not an end of oneself or dissolving of oneself or nirvana or rebirth of oneself. But it is knowing God and being able to love him just as you are now; and in a far better way when your death is conquered by his life in you.
Therefore choose life. And it will become the light in your life. It means that in Jesus you’ll find a true knowledge of God as your Father in heaven who cares for you.
Let me end by saying that you should not miss this opportunity to life by being busy with the worries of your daily earthly living. Choose life—life that is found in Jesus!
To know how you feel like in your daily struggles.
He was moved with compassion when he saw people in distress. He wept.
He met their needs.
But that was not all.
He was sent by God with a purpose.
He came to shed his blood and die on the cross.
Why?
Because there is no other way you can be friends with God.
Jesus took the punishment that is rightfully yours:
To turn away from you God’s extreme anger and judgement against sin.
To gift you God’s forgiveness.
To make you belong to God’s family.
To give you a new clean beginning in life.
Happiness of holidays cannot compare with the joy of being a child of God.
The Gift of Jesus is more precious than all what Santa Claus promises to bring to you.
For peace with God is found in the blood of Jesus; for his blood was poured out for the forgiveness of your sins.
That’s the true meaning of Christmas; of light shining in the darkness.
And of the hope Jesus brought to us when he rose from the dead.
Because he lives forever, you too will live!
“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” 1
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He came to save people from their sins. No other person has ever addressed this basic need of men and women. And if you ask what sin is; it is anything that separates you from God. It can be your possessive love for anyone or anything; it can be rebellion in your heart against God; it can be pride or even attitudes and habits that are wrong. The name Jesus should remind you that you have a Saviour. He is always willing to save. There is absolutely no situation in your life where he cannot step in and no darkness in your life where his light cannot shine!
Immanuel
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Think about this. God became a single cell invisible to the human eye in the womb of the virgin Mary by the power of the Holy Spirit and was born a child. God with us. Artificial intelligence, Nanotechnology, nuclear fission and fusion, supercomputers, interplanetary space missions and whatever marvellous else you can think of does not compare with God becoming a child. Immanuel. It means God with us. Jesus came as someone who could be seen and touched and one who mingled with the common people and the untouchables of society. He is with you today as a loving brother and faithful friend. Immanuel.
Wonderful Counsellor
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Google maps can help you when you travel. PAPI lights can help planes land safely. But what about situations in life where it seems a thick fog has come down on you? And you are unable to decide what to speak, whether to answer yes or no, and not sure about how your present action is going to impact your future? What about situations in life where you have messed up already? Don’t you think you need Jesus who has absolute knowledge of your life, is compassionate to you in your failures and doubts, and most willing to guide you continually? You might not hear angelic voices, neither see visions or dreams. Yet this Wonderful Counsellor will guide you. In spite of all the chaos you feel, the end of it will be peace; for in the abundance of his wisdom is safety.
Mighty God
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Calling Jesus a great teacher, a good man, a powerful prophet, a worker of miracles, or one who brings God’s blessings to people; all even when true fall short of who he is. When descriptions and adjectives don’t scale the heights of the majesty and holiness and supremacy and sovereignty of Jesus who is Mighty God above all; then you fail to know who he is. And when you come to know him for who he is; there is only one response that is possible—worship! And that is not possible unless you repent and turn away from all that is false and evil and turn to God in humility and tears.
Everlasting Father
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God, who is from eternity to eternity. He is, was, and will be. Jesus. He never can fail to be your strength and source of hope and comfort. Never will he leave you alone; never will he forsake you. When he steps in to your present moment, he will take the sting and bite and shame away from all that is past and take absolute charge over your future too. Death then becomes a curtain that is parted, and you will see him beyond life’s final farewell on earth. Eternal Father he is! Always there, always present, Jesus!
Prince of Peace
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Peace requires no definition as you know it when you don’t have it. But one thing is common to all: everyone is in search of peace. It is not to be found in pleasures nor is it to be found in living alone like a hermit in the forest. Peace with God can be found through the blood of Jesus shed on the cross. Have you found the peace that Jesus the Prince of Peace can give? It is not absence of trouble in life that he promises but his presence with you and his peace in the midst of life’s difficulties
Lamb of God
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Sinless One. Blameless. Innocent. Yet he was slain. He willingly laid down his life. His body was broken; and his precious blood was poured out for the forgiveness of your sins and mine. It was love for you that made him do that. Jesus, the Lamb of God. May this Name resound with the praises of his children time without end. May the corridors of heaven echo his praises for ever throughout all eternity! May his sacrifice be the subject of songs for ever and ever. Amen! Read 7 Names of Jesus on LinkedIn
— The above Christmas Day 2020 Special Post is inspired by the following texts in the Bible:
“You are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” — Matthew 1:21b
“The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”—which means “God with us.” — Matthew 1:23.
“And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” — Isaiah 9:6b
“Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” — John 1:29b
Christmas is the story of God’s great love for all people. No one is excluded. Christmas is the true story of God becoming man and being one among us. He was born a child whom people could see and touch. He came to shed his blood on the cross and die for the sins of all. One who looks to Jesus in faith will have his sins forgiven, become a child of God, and also inherit eternal life. This is the great hope to all which the event of Christmas brought to this world.
These nativity scenes featuring Daniela B. Peter and Stefan B. Peter help us to reflect on how God brought it all come to pass.
Songs by Daniela and Stefan
One Way Jesus
Risen
Our God Is an Awesome God
God with Us
10000 Reasons (Bless the Lord O My Soul)
Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart
I’ve Got the Joy Joy Joy
Baby Jesus We Love You
Deep Deep Deep
God Said to Noah – The Arky Arky Song (Rise and Shine)
Every Move I Make
Father Abraham Had Many Sons
Oru Divasam Noor Addukkale (Malayalam Action Song)
God did not give up on man when he rebelled aginst him. Instead God sent his one and only Son Jesus to this world; born a baby in a manger in Bethlehem. It was love that came down from heaven that first Christmas night.
I might not understand the logic behind God becoming man and tasting death for us all. But love that did not hesitate to give up his life for me holds no mysteries.
But then can I? One look at his face then bleeding with a head which was crowned with thorns; but now glorious like the sun shining in all its brilliance is all that is needed for me to bow down in worship saying, “My Lord and My God, I love you!”
The Bible declares:
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” — Isaiah 9:6
Again the Bible says,
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” — Romans 5:8
Santa Claus is not Christmas. In fact Santa Claus has hijacked the true meaning of Christmas.
Santa Claus is the commercial reason1 for Christmas celebrations. He brings gifts but makes all the sales possible around the world during happy holidays Christmas season.
Forgiveness, pardon, eternal life, and heaven’s citizenship come to you through Jesus which is the true meaning of Christmas.
My friend, remember Santa Claus, is not Christmas even as gifts and sales of Santa Claus figurines, mask, costume, and accessories will swell in ecommerce sites like Amazon, Flipkart, eBay, Walmart, Alibaba and the like this Christmas season!
He could have stayed in heaven and watched us toil and struggle hard to make both ends meet. But he chose to come and be part of us to sweat and labour.
He who flung 100 thousand million stars in the Milky Way1 could have spread a mattress of soft silky wool; but chose a cattle shed and a manger for his birth on earth. There was no room for him elsewhere.
A tree has always been a symbol of life. It has become more so after Jesus died on a wooden cross.
Peter, the foremost disciple of Jesus, comments: “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree.”
The precious blood that flowed from his body brings forgiveness of sins, peace with God, and unending life to those who believe in him. The wounds of his body bring us healing.
On the cross he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows. He became a curse for us to save us from all evil. For it was God’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer that we might have life, and have it to the full.
The famous novella A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens captures the spirit of Christmas in a memorable way. The story presents Christmas in a past-present-future timeline.
At the beginning of the story set in 18th Century London we are told of the certainty of the death of Jacob Marley the business partner of Ebenezer Scrooge. Marley was dead as a door nail. And the story begins exactly 7 years after his death on Christmas Eve.
Charles Dickens takes us to Scrooge’s dark, chilly office on this cold evening. It is getting late. Scrooge, a miser, warns his clerk Bob Cratchit not to put more coal on the fire or keep looking at the clock. At this moment Scrooge’s nephew Fred comes in and greets him saying, A Merry Christmas Uncle. Scrooge in response says Christmas is humbug. Fred replies that that Christmas is the time of the year when people truly open their hearts to each other with kindness and love. Fred leaves after inviting Scrooge to join their family for Dinner on Christmas Day.
Scrooge is then visited by two gentlemen collecting money for the poor. They are sent away without being given anything. He tells them to send the poor to the prisons. Scrooge tells his clerk Bob Cratchit that saying Christmas comes only once in a year to have a day off is “a poor excuse for picking a man’s pocket every twenty-fifth of December.” He is warned to come early the day after Christmas.
Scrooge then leaves for home. From here the real drama starts. Scrooge is first of all visited by Marley’s ghost which came after all the bells in the house rang loudly for a minute or so at night. This ghost had a chain around him which was full of cash boxes, keys, padlocks, ledgers, deeds and heavy purses wrought in steel. The ghost said that this was a chain he made for himself in life because he looked after business well instead of the true of business of looking after people with love and mercy. The ghost warned Scrooge that his chain was much heavier by now. He further told Scrooge that he still had a chance to escape a tragic end and have hope for change. He was told that he will be visited by three more ghosts.
At the disappearance of Marley’s ghost Scrooge falls asleep.
Charles Dickens now paints for us the arrival of three ghosts—the Ghost of Christmas Past, the Ghost of Christmas Present and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Be. The encounter with these three ghosts gives a chance to Scrooge to travel through memory lane. The scenes of Christmas he is shown shake him up. He is so afraid that he truly desires to change.
In fact, A Christmas Carol focuses on this one thing about Christmas—change. It focuses on repentance and tears that help a man mend his ways. It shows us how change comes to the heart of a miser Ebenezer Scrooge.
As we come back to the story of Scrooge, he is now visited by the Ghost of Christmas Past. The ghost radiates with light and Scrooge begs him to put his cap on which can conceal the light. The ghost is angry at this suggestion. We are reminded of the words of Jesus who said, “Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.” The ghost carries Scrooge to his native place. Scrooge is shown his own childhood when he delighted in stories, was kind and innocent. But most of his childhood was lonely. He is reminded of his tender relationship with his sister who died young leaving behind his nephew Fred. Then there is a lovely scene of Christmas where his first employer Fessiwig hosts a Christmas party which Scrooge and his fellow apprentice enjoyed to the full. The generous attitude of Fessiwig is in marked contrast to the miserly attitude of Scrooge in the present. A final scene is that of the parting between Scrooge and his fiancée. She ends the relationship with him because she understood that Scrooge had fallen in love with a golden idol which is money. She parts by saying she will always remember the kind person that Scrooge once was. We are also shown how this lady is happy with her husband and children on Christmas Eve. Some of these scenes lay the groundwork for the change to happen in Scrooge’s life. He sheds a tear now and then. He remembers how he had rudely reacted to a boy singing carol that evening and also how he did not treat his clerk Bob Cratchit in a fair manner. Tired by the scenes he saw, Scrooge falls asleep again.
Now the second spirit, the Ghost of Christmas Present who holds a glowing torch makes his appearance. He carries Scrooge to different places. The ghost is seen blessing the dinner and the houses of the poor especially and Scrooge wonders why the poor are treated with such special care. One highlight is the visit to Scrooge’s nephew Fred’s home and Christmas party. It is a happy family and Fred speaks of his uncle with pity. Scrooge is then shown Bob Cratchit’s family feast. They are full of joy and the special focus is Tiny Tim, the youngest in the family who is ill and needs crutches to support him. Bob comes home carrying Tiny Tim on his shoulders and tells his wife that Tiny Tim was saying in church that it would be good for people on Christmas Day “to remember the One who made lame beggars walk, and blind men see.” The Ghost informs Scrooge that Tiny Tim will soon die if their circumstances do not change soon. Even though the mention of Scrooge’s name casts a shadow on the party, the scene ends with Tiny Tim saying, “God bless us every one.” Before disappearing the ghost shows two ugly looking children namely Ignorance and Want. When Scrooge expresses concern for them, the ghost quotes Scrooge’s own words: “Are there no prisons? Are there no workhouses?” On hearing his own words Scrooge hung his head in shame.
Soon the clock struck the hour. And a dark-looking ghost appeared. It wore a black robe which hid its head, face and body; only the hand could be seen. Scrooge trembled with fear. The ghost did not speak but only nodded his head and pointed its finger. The Ghost of Christmas Yet to come showed him scenes of Christmas one year later. Someone had died. He was a wretched man. Scrooge is unable to find himself in the crowd that moves around. The dead man’s charwoman and laundress and the local undertaker steal his bed curtains, his bed sheets and even his shirt and trades it to Old Joe for money. All this time the dead man lay, in the dark empty house, with not a man, a woman, or a child, to say that he was kind to me in this or that! Scrooge did not have the courage to move the sheet that covered the dead man’s face. The Ghost shows Scrooge a man rejoicing because of the dead man as he got a little more time to pay off his debt. The Ghost also showed Bob Cratchit and family mourning the death of Tiny Tim. As the Ghost and Scrooge move past Scrooge’s office, he runs to the window only to see someone else seated on the inside. But the Ghost’s hand was pointing in another direction beyond an iron gate to the graveyard and to a neglected corner in it. There Scrooge sees his own tombstone.
Scrooge realizes that he himself was the dead man. He cried out to the Ghost, “Why show me all these if I am past all hope. Assure me that I yet may change these shadows you have shown me, by an altered life.’
He further prayed saying, “I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.” When he saw his own death; the man who a day ago said Christmas was humbug is now ready to honour it and keep it all the year. Yes, Christmas is not just a season but its reason is the sacrificial generosity of God who so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son Jesus to bleed and die on the cross for the sins of all mankind.
Scrooge awakens on Christmas morning. Realizing that he still had a chance to make amends he laughed. It was the father of a long, long line of brilliant laughs. He shouted, “A merry Christmas to everybody” once he checked with a boy in the street on what day it was. He is wonderstruck that within a night his life was changed.
And the change in him was permanent. He spent the day with Fred’s family and sent the best Turkey in town anonymously to Bob Cratchit. He raised the salary of Bob the very next day, and became a second father to Tiny Tim, who did not die. He went to church on Christmas Day and promised the gentlemen who had earlier called at his office a substantial amount of money to help the poor. The miser Scrooge had now become a generous man in line with the true spirit of Christmas. His life now reflected Apostle Paul’s comment on change that Christmas brings: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, the old has gone, the new has come.” As far as Scrooge was concerned, the old had gone and the new had come indeed!
Talk for Yuvavani, A.I.R., Thiruvanathapuram.
First Broadcast 22nd December 2007.
Once upon a time, when Augustus Caesar ruled Rome, a star rose over a little town called Bethlehem. It shone in the darkness. And its light was seen far away in the East. It ignited hope in the hearts of those who were waiting for it. Immediately, these Wise Men began to journey to meet someone for whom they had waited so long. The light was now shining. And it meant the birth of a child who was born a king!
At the same time an angel announced his birth to shepherds watching over their flocks at night. A light shone around them too. It terrified them. But then the angel said: “Fear not. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” As soon as they heard the news they too rushed to meet this child.
Now there is nothing uncommon about expecting the news of the birth of a child. And journeying to meet him when the news of his birth arrives. But there is something uncommon when heaven’s messengers participate in spreading the news. A child born of a virgin and lying in a manger in which cattle were fed thus compels our attention. And we start to wonder, “Who is this child?”
He was God himself who came down to earth as a human being. He came to be with us. He came as one who could be seen and touched. This nearness of God to us was made possible that first Christmas night through the birth of Jesus. And through this one act, God gave hope to men and women by saying that he wanted to be friends with them. It ignited hope in human hearts because a holy God had now become the friend of sinners. This welcome of God to all thus became the keynote of hope to all mankind.
This truth is often told in these simple words: “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.” In these words are painted the hope of Christmas. It tells us that not one of those who journey to meet the Christ-child will ever be disappointed. Instead they will be gifted with God himself.
This gifting of God to us reminds us of the story of an ancient king who loved to mingle with his people in disguise. One day, dressed as an old man he visited a poor woodcutter who lived in a small hut down the valley. After spending some time and sharing a simple meal of bread and water which the woodcutter offered him, the king rose to leave. Then he revealed himself to the woodcutter as the king of the land and asked him to ask for any gift he wished to have. But he did not do so. In surprise, the king asked him, “Don’t you understand. I am the king of this land? I can give you anything you wish—a home, a city or even bags of gold.”
But the poor woodcutter replied: “Your majesty, I do not ask for any of those. For you’ve already given me the greatest gift you could possibly give. You came down from your palace and ate and drank with me. You gifted me with yourself and that’s the greatest gift of all.”
Like the king in this story, the child in the manger gave up all his glory in heaven to become a servant of men. He humbled himself even to the point of shedding his blood on a cross even though he had done no wrong. He did this to take away the sin of the world. But ultimately he conquered death and came back to life. And opened the doors of heaven for us to walk in. Therefore Christmas is the story of God stooping down to lift man up to heaven. This is the good news of Christmas to all the people and its undying hope.
Therefore once again Christmas happens in all its beauty, in all its loveliness, in each heart that welcomes the Christ-child. It makes us belong to the family of God. It also gives us the joy of being valued in the eyes of God who makes his home in our hearts. And as the angels sang that first Christmas, it brings peace to our hearts along with it.
This then is the simple message of Christmas. That man as an individual is not lost to the eyes of God. That is why it is often pointed out that even if this world had only one person living in it, and that one person were you, he would have sent his Son Jesus to meet you. Thus the great hope of Christmas is that you as an individual has great worth in God’s eyes.
In connection with this truth I remember hearing a simple story in my childhood. There was a little boy who carved a small wooden boat and painted it red. And one day after the rains he went out to play with the boat he had made. He floated the boat in the running water in the stream nearby. And he kept walking by its side watching the boat sail on. But the water was moving faster than he thought. And it quickly carried away the boat from his sight. And it was lost.
The boy was sad that the boat he made was lost. Many months passed by. One day he was walking along the street when he saw his own little red boat displayed in a shop. He was overjoyed at that sight. Immediately he went in and claimed it as his boat. But the shopkeeper said, “Someone else brought it here. If you need it, you have to buy it.” The boy asked for its price. He ran home to fetch the coins needed, added it up together, ran back to the shop and gave it to the owner. And then with a heart full of joy he carried the boat home. While he walked home he lovingly told the boat, “”Now you’re twice mine: first, I made you, and now I bought you.”
Likewise, Christmas is God’s search for those who are lost. It tells man that he now belongs to God for more than one reason. In one sense God is his creator. In a greater sense God becomes his rescuer. He came down from heaven to reclaim you from the gutters of evil. And lift you up from there with a new identity stamped on you saying, “You are mine!”
Christmas thus becomes a sharp cut and the dividing line between a man’s history and his destiny. For the birth of Christ in one’s heart means that the old has gone and the new has come. This brings hope to every human heart burdened with the past. To such people the star that rose over Bethlehem shines with love and compassion. It points them to a brand new beginning in life and to a purposeful future. Thus Christmas becomes a time to leave the past behind with its hurtful memories, shameful secrets, bundle of mistakes, and the burden of guilt. This is true because Christmas is the story of light shining in darkness.
As was predicted by Prophet Isaiah: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” Therefore, no longer will the fear of death hold us in slavery. For the true light that came to this world that first Christmas night has conquered darkness for ever. And in the process gifted man with unending life of far superior quality than man has ever dreamed of. For Jesus himself assured: “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die.”
This truth is beautifully illustrated in the movie The Chronicles of Narnia 1 based on the work by C. S. Lewis. In the land of Narnia, it was always winter and never Christmas because of the powerful influence of an evil witch. It was rumoured that this situation would change only when Aslan the lion-king would come. But when he came, the witch demanded the blood of a young boy whom she called “a traitor.” To save him from death penalty Aslan offers himself as a sacrifice at the Stone Table in place of the boy.
But later Aslan comes back to life and proclaims the secret the witch did not know: “When a willing victim who had committed no treachery was killed in a traitor’s stead, the Table would crack and Death itself would start working backwards!” I repeat that once again. “When a willing victim who had committed no treachery was killed in a traitor’s stead, the Table would crack and Death itself would start working backwards!” Thus the spell was broken and Christmas came to Narnia once again.
Therefore, Death working backwards is indeed the hope of Christmas: This hope declares that man need not die. Instead he can live forever in the presence of God. For the doors of heaven have now been opened through the blood of the Lamb of God shed on the cross. And the welcome of God is written across the gates of heaven to all with room in their hearts for Jesus. There, one day, God would wipe away every tear from their eyes.
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favour rests.”
Christmas is a beautiful time of the year. It is a time we remember the birth of Jesus in a manger in Bethlehem two thousand years ago.
In his birth, there is the story of God’s great love for the whole world. Though his birth came about in a small town, the everlasting love of God was painted on a huge canvas. Not only was the love of God wide enough to encompass the whole world; it was and still is very personal as well.
The thrust of the Christmas story is that God became man. He came to be with us as one who could be seen and touched and experienced near.
Secondly, in the birth of Jesus, there is the idea of a precious gift being given. But it was not what people of those times had expected. They had expected a mighty king. Instead came a baby who simply identified himself as God’s gift to the world.
Christmas is made beautiful by this sense of disruption. We do not always get what we hope for. Sometimes even gifts that we receive disappoint us. Perhaps the unwrapping of gifts at Christmas tells us that nothing on earth ultimately satisfies unless we welcome God’s gift—Jesus—into our lives as our Lord and Saviour.
Yet another thought is how our hearts are lifted up with thoughts of heaven at Christmas. The visit of angels and their singing that first Christmas night reminds us that there is a beyond.
Therefore Christmas is an invitation to take some time off from our busyness and think about things that really matter.
Christmas reminds us that our time on earth is brief. But it is given to us that we may reach out to and get hold of life that lasts. Yes, Christmas is a reminder that Jesus came to give us life eternal through his shed blood on the cross. It was for this ultimate sacrifice for you and for me that he came.
Finally, there is something about Christmas that touches our hearts with joy. It can be partly due to the coming together of family and friends at Christmas. Or at a deeper level it can be the discovery of personal worth.
Perhaps we are a generation that is experiencing instant communication through social media. Yet never have men and women felt more lonely, insecure and depressed. It is in this context that the Christmas message of good news of great joy to the whole world rings true, authentic and personal. In the simplest of words, Christmas means God cares for you. Its joy never ends!
When Jesus was born he was called Immanuel meaning God with us. Can God be so ordinary? Can God be human? Incredible!
Yet God chose to humble himself to be a servant of men. This is one meaning of God with us. God stood with us in our brokenness. Well, some of you might think we are OK. Really! Is it true?
Just look around you. The kind of broken hearts and tears you find everywhere. God came to experience all this firsthand. No longer can you tell God, “You don’t understand!”
Yet he will point you to a Man lifted up on a hill between earth and sky, naked and bleeding on a cross with a crown of thorns on his head. An inscription above his head read, Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.
And God will say to you that there he carried your sorrows and was broken for you. Looking at that Man you will find peace. For the punishment of your sins that should have fallen on you fell on him who was innocent. He carried it all for you.
Respected Principal, honoured guests, beloved teachers, and my dear friends,
Good morning to one and all.
Let me first of all thank God as well as the Principal of the School for giving me this opportunity to speak to you on Christmas. I wish to talk to you about the meaning of gifts during Christmas.
Christmas is a beautiful time of the year when family and friends come together. And gifts are exchanged. One group that is always excited at Christmas are children. This is because children love gifts. They look forward to receive gifts during this time of the year. In fact, it is this sense of expectation that makes Christmas special.
Let me tell you how gifts can make Christmas special. There was a lovely young husband and wife who were poor. Both of them, Jim and Della, loved each other dearly. As Christmas came near both of them secretly thought about gifting each other with a lovely Christmas gift. But they did not have much money.
Della had long and beautiful hair. So Jim thought of buying her a beautiful hair clip. Della saw that the strap of Jim’s watch was broken. So she thought of buying him a watch strap. And on Christmas Eve both of them wished each other Happy Christmas and gave the gifts to each other.
But children there were tears in both their eyes. Do you know why? It was because Della had cut her long hair and sold it to get money to buy Jim a watch strap. And Jim had sold his watch to buy Della a hair clip.
This spirit of sacrifice is the true meaning of Christmas as this classic short story from O. Henry highlights. Likewise, it was not easy for God to send his Son Jesus to this world. It was a sacrifice. The Bible 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.”
Therefore let us celebrate Christmas by thanking God for his indescribable gift—the gift of God’s Son Jesus!
Remember my dear children; he came just for you and for me!
Let me also tell you the story of a young boy who was an orphan. He was poor. During Christmas time he used to go to the street and watch the lovely gifts displayed inside shops. He would press his nose against the glass to have a closer look.
But he was sad because there was no one to give him a gift. One day, he saw a small cat on the road. He also saw a car coming against it. On seeing this the boy jumped in front of the car and saved the cat. But the car hit him. And he was taken to hospital.
There was a good nurse who took care of him. On Christmas day she gifted him with a toy. The boy opened the packet and found a toy train inside it. The nurse asked him, “Do you like it?”
The boy with great joy cried out: “There is no glass between.” Saying so he put the toy train close to his heart. See how happy he was when he had a toy for himself.
Dear children, may God gift you with the real joy of finding Jesus this Christmas. So that you too can say with this boy, “Now there is no glass between; I too have found the true joy of Christmas.”
Finally, during Christmas time we remember the journey of the Wise Men who came from far way to worship baby Jesus. They had seen a star and travelled from far away to meet Jesus. And when the star led them to Jesus, they gave gifts of gold and myrrh and incense to Jesus. That is why in remembrance of their act of worship we also give gifts to each other during Christmas.
So think about it. When you meet Jesus, what will be the gift you wish to give him? I am sure Jesus will be happy to see your love towards him more than anything else. So try to love Jesus more this Christmas.
Wish all of you a blessed Christmas and a prosperous new year. Thank you.
Thank you. —Stefan B. Peter, PP II K, St. Thomas School, Kumarapuram.
“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”
— John 3:16 Bible.
Welcome Speech
Respected Dignitaries, teachers, parents and my dear friends,
A warm good morning to one and all.
We are celebrating Christmas at our school today. It is a time we think of baby Jesus in Bethlehem. I stand here now to welcome all of you.
First of all, let me welcome all the dignitaries present here. We are so glad you came to watch our program. On behalf of the school I happily welcome all of you.
Next, I welcome our Respected Principal, teachers, parents, kochammas [caretakers] and friends to this program. May this Christmas program touch our hearts with joy.
I wish you all a Merry Christmas. Once again I welcome all of you.
Thank you. —Daniela B. Peter, PP II K, St. Thomas School, Kumarapuram.
Have you ever been lost somewhere in a crowd? And you had to wait anxiously for someone to come and find you out. Then you might have experienced the joy of someone coming in search of you and finding you.
What a relief to know that you were thought about and not forgotten. What a joy to know that someone cared. What good news is it to be reminded that you belong to someone.
It is in this sense that Christmas is good news of great joy to all the people. It simply tells us that God remembers each one of us. It tells us that none of us is forgotten. It reminds us that in spite of all our failures, mistakes and sins; God is ready to clean up the mess. He is willing to dirty his hands to give us a new life in his Son Jesus.
This is the story of Christmas. This is the good news that God came down to us in Jesus Christ. He came as a baby; a child who came to sacrifice his life by shedding his blood on the cross for all mankind. Through this sacrifice, God is ready to forgive all who come to him and cleanse people of all sin and impurity.
No one is excluded from this joy. People of all tribes and nations, languages and cultures are welcome.
The true joy of Christmas is not in the festivity of the season. It is not to be found in gifts and stars, cake and wine, new dress and carols and Christmas trees and Christmas cards and Santa Claus.
But the true joy of Christmas is that a Saviour came. And it is good news of great joy because it is for all the people of the world. God’s search for the lost continues and it will not end until his love finds you and gifts you the joy of salvation today.
And when God finds you and saves you; joy erupts and explodes in heaven for Jesus said there is great rejoicing in heaven and in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents. So my friend, is that someone you?
But today, I want you to focus on that one star that has inspired countless lighted stars down the centuries. It is none other than the Star of Christmas.
The Star of Christmas was first of all a shining star.
No one who was watching for it could miss its newfound presence in the sky. No doubt, like that star, God still shines his light in the hearts of all who sincerely search for the truth.
Secondly, the Star of Christmas was a unique star.
It rose announcing the birth of a king. It was fitting that God chose a star in the skies to make a royal proclamation. Otherwise, how would anyone have known that the child born in a manger is king?
Thirdly, the Star of Christmas was a guiding star.
It travelled in front of the Wise Men who came from the East in search of the child Jesus. It brought them safely to the place where Jesus was. No further mention is made of this star. It had fulfilled its purpose of pointing the way to Jesus; nothing greater was expected of it.
Finally, and above all, the Star inspired the Wise Men to come to worship Jesus and offer their best gifts to him. That first journey of the Wise Men even today inspires countless thousands to seek the One who bled and died on the cross to bring peace between God and men.
Children love gifts. They look forward to receive gifts during this time of the year. In fact, it is this sense of expectation that makes Christmas special.
It is said that there was such a sense of expectation in the air during the time of the birth of Jesus. His coming meant that God came down to be with us. In a special sense God came near to us in Jesus.
Yes, he came for you and me!
The great distance between a holy God and we sinners was bridged in Jesus. It was as if God were saying “I want to be friends with you!”
Yes, he came for you and me!
Therefore the gift of Christmas is about the presence of God with us. It is a gift that was given with an everlasting love. Because of this gift, life puts on a new meaning:
So here is a gift you are given for free. No need to read the price tag. It is beyond our ability to pay. I am talking about the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made on the cross where he shed his innocent blood for the sins of all.
Therefore let us celebrate Christmas by thanking God for his indescribable gift—the gift of God’s Son Jesus!
Have you ever wondered what the story that is told every Christmas is?
It is the story of Someone who came searching for you and me.
This story is one of hope.
It is so because the story tells us that we belong. It tells us that we are not forgotten or forsaken. Though there is something that is broken about us, though there are many patches showing in our hearts, there is someone who deeply cares for us.
This story is one of hope, I repeat again, because a Saviour came searching for you and me.
It is so because Christmas is the true story of God’s Son Jesus coming down to earth to become man. He came not because any one of us is perfect but instead all of us are sinners in need of a Saviour. Since it was not possible for man to save himself, God came down to be one like us to save us.
This story is one of hope because in Jesus, God came near to us.
For all those who deeply longed to know God, Jesus came declaring that anyone who has seen him has seen God as well. As Jesus freely mingled with all sorts of people in the marketplace and touched them with love and compassion, so also God longs to touch you with his love and forgiveness.
Finally, this story is one of hope because Jesus came to give us life.
This became possible because Jesus shed his blood on the cross and died for us. His precious blood that flowed cleanses and purifies man from all sin. Above all, he came back to life from the dead. He lives for ever.
Therefore there is hope for all men and women.
Because he lives, those who believe in him will also live for ever. This is the good news of great joy declared for all people at Christmas. It includes you and me.
Yes friends, Jesus came to give you a clean break from your past and give you a brand new beginning in life. Like the Star of Bethlehem that rose the first Christmas night when the child Jesus was born in a manger, may the light of this hope shine in your heart bright and clear.
This is a time of the year when people are singing all around the world. We hear many songs like Silent night, holy night; and Joy to the world. I am here to say a few words on what these songs are telling us. They are telling us about Christmas.
Christmas is all about the love of God. God so loved the world that he gave his Son for us. Jesus is thus God’s greatest gift to all of us.
Christmas is also a reminder of God’s humility. He chose a poor village girl named Mary who was a virgin to be the mother of Jesus.
When Jesus was born there was no room for him in the inn. So he was placed in a manger from which cattle fed. It tells us that Jesus is ready to come into any human heart which has room for him.
This is the good news of Christmas. God is ready to be our friend and Saviour. This message first came to the shepherds watching their flocks at night.
The glory of the Lord shone around them. They were afraid. But an angel told them not to be afraid because he was bringing them the good news of the birth of the Saviour in Bethlehem.
Suddenly a choir of angels came and they sang the first carol: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men on whom his favour rests.” This first song of Christmas tells us that Jesus is the Prince of Peace. Those who trust in him will find peace with God.
A bright shining star rose in the sky to tell people far away of the birth of Jesus. Wise Men who saw the star came from far away to see the child born a king. They came and bowed down and worshipped Jesus. They also presented him with gifts of gold, incense and myrrh. Yes, even today, wise men and women still seek Jesus and find him.
It is when you find Jesus that your heart is filled with joy. All celebrations of Christmas are an expression of this joy. We have this joy in our hearts because Jesus is our Immanuel. It means God is with us.
So this Christmas, let us all join together to sing and praise God. Let us all join together to tell everyone that God is deeply in love with this world. Let the burning candles and shining Christmas lights tell the world that God’s love is still shining in this dark world.
Yes, there is hope for all men and women. Whatever be your situation in life, God can make a big difference. That is Christmas. I wish you all the peace and joy of Christmas. May God bless you with the best gifts of heaven this Christmas. Thank you.
Imaginary reporting for TV Channel when Augustus Caesear ruled Rome: Timeline: Between B.C. 6 and B.C. 4
“Angelic activity on a scale never known before was reported around midnight at the open fields outside Bethlehem. Shepherds taking care of their flocks were astonished and filled with fear as a glorious light shone around them.
But an angel of God, they said, announced to them that they need not be afraid as a child destined to be the Lord and Saviour of the world was born in the town of David. He assured them that is good news of great joy to all the people.
It is amazing that a news that is so localized in the little town of Bethlehem has such global impact and appeal to all. Moreover a great heavenly choir of angels sang praises to God saying, “Glory to God in the highest and peace on whom his favour rests.’
Peace, it seems, shall come to us not through treaties made between nations but between God and man through the Saviour born a child–The Prince of Peace!
The good news so inspired the shepherds that they made haste to Bethlehem to see the humble child lying in a manger. It is reported that they are going around spreading the news. This is The Reporter for World News!”
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end.”1
“You are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”2
Christmas is celebrated with singing of carols. At this time, a compere finds it a joyful experience to inspire audiences with the various tones, colours, and emotions of Christmas.
Presented here is the script for compering 7 great songs of Christmas. Take note that in the examples, the background of the song’s message is presented quickly and then what it means to us today is refreshingly explained.
As is characteristic of all good communication each compere segment has an Intro (the introduction which captures attention), an Inspire (the body which illuminates the inspiration that the song brings to us), and The Invite (the conclusion which persuades people to listen to the song with their hearts and minds as well)!
[Inspire:] No other birth had ever brought heaven so close to the earth; with music divine and light so glorious and bright parting the darkness. The glory shone and the message “Do not be afraid” rang out loud and clear. With angels singing and shepherds watching, the peaceful Christmas tidings of joy for all people at the birth of the Son of God was proclaimed.
[The Invite:] Here, the choir presents to you the all time greatest, the favourite song of Christmas across cultures and boundaries; “Silent Night, Holy Night.”
Song #2 Hark the Herald Angels Sing [Intro:]Angel voices are rarely heard. Yet one night long time ago in Bethlehem a great company of angels proclaimed glory to the new-born King.
[Inspire:] Its resonance is heard in countless hearts and homes even today. The wonder of the virgin birth of Jesus, the marvel of Immanuel–God with us, the amazing story of God and sinners being reconciled are all brought to us through this song. In its final sweep it raises our thoughts to the Sun of Righteousness who has risen for us with healing in his wings; to bring hope to us that those who trust in Jesus need not find death the end but a beginning; for they’ll live with God for ever.
[The Invite:] Enjoy the popular song, “Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” which captures the reality of Christmas in one brilliant snapshot.
Song #3 O Come, All Ye Faithful [Intro:] So many people miss the joy of Christmas because they can’t think anything spectacular about a child lying in a manger.
[Inspire:] Yet hear the prophetic voice of Isaiah, who had a quick glimpse into the greatness of this child 7 centuries before the birth of Christ. He penned these immortal and majestic words: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” The song, “O Come, all ye faithful,” is a call to come and adore the King of angels; it is a call to come and bless the Lord who came to save us; it is a call to worship God with songs of triumph.
[The Invite:] Therefore come, let us with one glad accord adore this child, none other than Christ the Lord.
Song #4 Joy to the World; the Lord Is Come! [Intro:] When God pours forth his joy; he does so like a dam bursting. No one can contain the flooding and swelling of joy in one’s heart.
[Inspire:] Such joy is experienced by all those who find their sins forgiven; and hearts washed clean by the blood of the Lamb of God shed on the cross. They can then sing along with angels joyous notes and experience what the song says: “fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains, Repeat the sounding joy.” Yes, dear friends, it is when our hearts are filled with the joy of God that we find nature too exploding with joy. This lovely song compels us to prepare our hearts and make room to receive the King at Christmas.
[The Invite:] So let us with heaven and nature sing, “Joy to the world, the Lord is come!”
Song #5 While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night [Intro:] The first announcement of Christmas came to the shepherds watching over their flocks by night. They were not told this good news because they were poor or marginalized in society. There was a greater reason.
[Inspire:] It was that they were taking care of the flock meant for sacrifice. To them the good news came that no more animal sacrifices are needed; for the Lamb of God has come to take away the sins of the world by his once for all sacrifice. This first announcement of the Christmas message reminds us that God stepped into human history just like any one of us; as a child. But it was no ordinary child who lay in a manger; but the Saviour of the world; Christ the Lord. Let us therefore with the heavenly choir of angels relive that first Christmas night when the glory of the Lord shone around the shepherds.
[The Invite:] Listen now to “While Shepherds Watched their Flocks by Night.”
Song #6 It Came Upon the Midnight Clear [Intro:] Some moments are etched in gold in our minds. More so when it is accompanied by music that no mortals can sing.
[Inspire:] This song is set against the backdrop of the sad and lowly plains of this earth and its confusion of sounds. Above this noise, through parted skies comes to us the heavenly music floating over this weary world. Let us stop the empty noises that we make; let us stop our quarrelling and listen to the love song the angels bring even as they sing at the midnight clear. Yes, this song tells us about the sadness of man at war with each other and having no time to listen to the glorious song of angels.
[The Invite:] Yet the song, “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear” ends with the great hope that someday a golden age would dawn when the whole world would give back the song which now the angels sing.
Song #7 The First Noel the Angel Did Say [Intro:] This melodious song talks of the first Christmas (Noel) on a cold winter’s night.
[Inspire:] Though the birth of Christ was first announced to shepherds, slowly the song narrates how wise men from the east saw the shining star and followed it to find the King–the King of Israel. They followed the star and found where Jesus was and worshipped him with gifts. These men were forerunners of all who would come to worship him from the ends of the earth. The song ends with a forward look to the time when all with one voice will sing praises to God because Jesus redeemed man from his sins by shedding his blood on the cross.
[The Invite:] Come on, let us celebrate the movement of God’s salvation from its first angelic announcement to the day all shall praise him from the ends of the earth. Tune your hearts to “The First Noel the Angel Did Say.”
The Crescendo Compere’s Concluding Remarks
Ladies and Gentlemen, the world has had only one true Lover. He so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son to save man from all his sins. Yes, the deep longing for forgiveness and peace with God is the need of the hour. When that happens, the joy of Christmas will ring out loud and clear as songs of joy and triumph, and as melodies of love and peace. And one day with angels numbering countless ten thousands upon ten thousands, our tongues too shall proclaim aloud the praises of God our Saviour, Redeemer and Friend. The songs we heard tonight are just a curtain-raiser to that great day and event.
Hope you enjoyed the songs presented here tonight. May the peace of God guard your hearts as you leave this auditorium and let angels accompany your going out. Wish you a blessed Christmas and a prosperous New Year! Thank you, one and all.
Hope of a better tomorrow;
a brand new beginning in life today;
and a clean break from the failures of the past
is what Christmas is all about.
Its message is life-changing.
This message came to us not as a printed text or spoken word which is difficult to understand; instead this message came to us as a child born in a manger in Bethlehem! Yes, a child, a Saviour, was born to tell us that God cared enough to dirty his feet in earthly soil.
He came as someone who could be seen and touched
and with whom people could enjoy intimate friendship.
He ate with people; talked with them and cried with them in their sorrows.
Therefore,
In him, people experienced God near.
In him, the great distance between sinful man and a holy God was bridged. In him, sinners found a friend!
This is the great hope Jesus gifted this world with;that all those who believe in him might live for ever!
Yes friends, it is the faint glimpse of this hope that is reflected in the tradition of unwrapping of gifts at Christmas: A sense of wonder at what the future holds; expecting something as nice as the gift one would get. But often expectations are not met. Many are disappointed.
