For the shepherds watching over their sheep, it started as a quiet night. Then suddenly an angel was standing in front of them! Of course, they were terrified, but the angel said, “Do not be afraid”. The angel announced that he was bringing good news that would give all the people great joy.
This was not just good news; it was life-changing good news. The Saviour had been born, and he was going to deliver us out of all the trouble we were in. And how could the shepherds know who he was? The angel said, “You will find a baby wrapped in cloth and lying in a manger”. Without any notice, an entire army of angels appeared, not coming to terrify the world but to surround them with praise about God’s plan for a peace-filled world.
As You enter the New Year remember the promise of Christmas: God’s peace, God’s invitation to the world to start over again. The invitation still stands… Come to Bethlehem. Come and be a part of something new: a new King, a new Kingdom, a new way of life.
How do you respond to this invitation and become part of this new Kingdom? By faith- believing in Jesus. When we believe, we will want to start over. Then Jesus says, you must be born again. Jesus says, today come and have a new life and become a child of God.
The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” (Luke 2:10).
Let’s Pray
Yahshua, show me the way to the manger, so that in seeing you, I may believe and in believing, have eternal life. In Christ’s name, Amen.
The first human beings were created good. You may ask the question if God created all things good, including humankind, then why is there so much bad in the world and in our lives? Where did sin come from? This question has intrigued people throughout the ages.
The Bible tells us the sad story of the fall into sin. God had called Adam and Eve to obey him freely and willingly as they cared for his creation. But they failed to obey. Because of their disobedience, the world and our lives are now filled with brokenness, pain, and sorrow. Furthermore, our lives will end in death. Are, you experiencing the devastating effects of sin around you: the death of a loved one, a life-threatening disease, hunger, homelessness, or the ravages of war? Let’s Thank God that the story does not end there.
Today Paul in scripture compares Jesus and Adam. While Adam, the first man, brought sorrow and death, in Jesus we receive new hope and joy. He goes on to say that God sent his Son to heal this sin-scarred world, to forgive our sins, and to give us eternal life. What an awesome gift! And here’s more good news: you don’t need to wait until your birthday or Christmas to receive this gift. Why not trust Jesus as your Saviour and Lord today?
The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:23
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank you for the gift of Christ, who came to restore us from all the effects of sin caused by Adam. We long for that day when Christ returns, and we will see him face to face! And sins will be no more in Jesus’ name Amen.
Principle 4 Ujamaa / Cooperative economics: Hebrew13:16. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Christians are instructed to share their wealth and make sacrifices for others. Economic wealth may not mean just money. It can mean anything that can make wealth or improve someone’s standing in their community. Our economic system should reflect principles, that we have a social safety net for those who are less fortunate and need assistance.
Did you know that sacrifice is unnatural? It requires us to put aside what we want if we are going to benefit someone else. We can’t do that on our own. We need an example to follow. In scripture, Yahshua describes Himself as a good shepherd who does what is best for His sheep. When we love people selflessly, we love as He loved. But what does that look like in everyday life?
Sacrifice is loving your neighbour as yourself.
It is human nature to seek the best for ourselves. Just watch children at Christmas fighting over toys or adults on Black Friday when the sales are up, and the items are few.
Yahshua showed us a better way. He gave up His rightful place in heaven to live among us on Earth. Then, He died a death He didn’t deserve to give us eternal life. When we put others first, we love our neighbours as ourselves.
Sacrifice is putting others first.
Is your life characterized by thinking about others or about yourself? Would your co-workers or classmates describe you as selfish or someone who puts others before themselves?
Even when Yahshua was hungry, tired, or ready to get alone and pray, when He saw a crowd, He had compassion on them and ministered to them. He calls on us to sacrifice our wants and needs for people the way He did for us.
Sacrifice without grumbling.
Loving sacrificially requires that we lay down our desires every day. When we can do that without grumbling, people will be blessed, and we will be blessed.
Yahshua is our shepherd. When we follow His example and draw from His strength which is available to us through the Holy Spirit — we can live a life characterized by supernatural love and lead others into a life of freedom, joy and peace they have never experienced.
Today Ujamaateaches us tothink about the needs of others and how we can place them before our own. Do you see a struggling mom with kids and groceries at the store? Let her get in line before you. Does your neighbour need help with his lawn? Take care of it for him. Does someone you know need help to get a business off the ground? Help them. Whatever the situation, listen to God and do what He says. Follow His prompting and leading when going about your day. If you feel like you should stop and serve, do it. This doesn’t necessarily mean you take on every opportunity presented to you. Pray. Ask God, then listen and do what He says.
Let’s Pray
Yahshua, if I have been selfish, keeping all the good to myself alone. Father, I pray that you forgive me. I know that there are people that need my help, give me the strength to help them and always stand for the right. God, I pray for the wisdom to do things the right way. Help me not to neglect people that I have the power to help today. Amen.
In homes around the world at this time of the year, we see lights aglow, stockings hung with care and turkey baking in the oven – our lives can look like a Christmas card. But sometimes it looks like something else. It can look harsher, colder, and even very lonely. Sometimes, Christmas can be hard. It doesn’t look like a well-designed Christmas card or a happy ending Christmas movie.
What do we do when life is hard, and we don’t know what to do? We must hold tight to our faith and keep our trust in God. Sometimes, there are those things we can never fix and things that we can never change. Sometimes, there are circumstances and trials we’ll never understand, those things we’ll never know the reason why. Sometimes, we face situations that will test our faith and test our trust in God.
Today I want to remind you that, faith is trusting that God is there and knowing He is always in control. Faith is staying close to Him no matter what comes your way and believing He will meet your every need. Faith is knowing that He loves you and will never leave you or forsake you. Faith is believing that in all things He has a purpose and a plan. Faith is knowing… You don’t have to understand it all just keep trusting Him.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.“ Isaiah 41:10
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You, that You are my refuge and my strength in hard times and an ever-present helper in times of trouble. Father, help me to cling to You and this truth. God, I know that You are the only all-powerful God and that there is nothing that is too difficult in my life for You to deal with, nor is there any obstacle in my path that is so insurmountable that I cannot cross, knowing that You are by my side. Please give me Your strength through this season so I can face life, with confidence knowing that Your strength is made perfect in my weakness. In Christ’s name, Amen.
While the rest of the world around us becomes excited and enamoured with our culture’s celebration of the Christmas holidays, some of us struggle through the holiday season – overcome with clouds of depression, and battles with fear and dread. Fractured relationships, divorce, dysfunction, compromised finances, loss of loved ones, isolation, loneliness, and any number of other circumstances become even harder to navigate, due to the often unrealistic expectations of the holiday. For many years in my life, loneliness magnifies, stress accelerates, busyness intensifies, and sadness overwhelms.
There is something about this holiday that intensifies all emotions. The hype begins in October and builds up in the weeks before Christmas and new year, often making it a very difficult time for those of us who have experience loss of any kind. If, like me, you find Christmas is a difficult time, then let’s see if we can figure out a better way of coping together.
Today, I write this word from the depths of my own experience in hopes of helping those who struggle with this season for various reasons. God’s Word and His principles of love, power, and truth are woven into every element of encouragement. Practical suggestions and challenges are presented to help navigate this and every stressful and difficult season. My passion is to bring hope and healing to hearts that are hurting, helping them break free from the burdens of stress, depression and dread, and find a new way of joy and simplicity.
“The Lord is near the broken-hearted; He is the Saviour of those whose spirits are crushed down.” (Psalm 34:18 BBE)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, I know only You can help this pain vanish away. Father, I plead for peace and serenity as I fight the pain I am feeling during this season. Send Your hand down to me, and fill me with Your strength. God, I cannot take this pain any longer without Your help! Release me from this hold and restore me. I trust in You to give me the strength to get through this time of the year. I pray that the pain will be gone! It will not hold me down, because I have the Lord on my side, in Jesus’ name! Amen.
On Monday afternoon, while at school, I received the news of an earthquake in Indonesia. The reports were that 160 had died and hundreds were injured. People were sitting enjoying their day, setting goals for the future, and living unrepentant lives. And in a moment-their lives came to an end. Our days can be so full and busy that we forget how fragile life really is. It can be easy to allow little things to creep in and steal our peace and joy.
Things may not go your way, someone may say something that upsets you, and traffic can cause you to lose focus. You must remember that each day is a gift. If you choose to focus on what’s wrong, you’ll miss the beauty that each day has to offer. I encourage you to not let the precious moments of life pass you by. Don’t wait for Christmas and birthdays to show people that you care. Remember, each day is unique and irreplaceable.
Today, you have been given time that can be invested or wasted, hours that can be used or misused. That’s why the psalmist prayed to God, “teach us to number our days.” He was saying, “teach us to value every moment that we’ve been given.” As you keep a proper perspective daily, you’ll gain a heart of wisdom, and experience the full blessings that God has for you each and every day of your life!
“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12, NIV)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for the gift of life. Father, I promise to focus on the blessings of each moment instead of allowing the little things to steal my joy. Lord, help me to make the most of each day and not let them waste away. God, please keep me close to You always as I submit every area of my heart and mind to You, in Christ’s Name! Amen.
As the world mourns the death and celebrates the life of Queen Elizabeth II, It’s often forgotten that she has the title of Supreme Governor of the Church of England. This title reflects her genuine Christian faith, which she often spoke about, and how Jesus was her inspiration who kept her going in good times and bad.
As hard as it was at times, listening to all the colonialist rhetoric, here are some inspirational quotes testifying of her love and acceptance of Christ and His word.
“For me, as a Christian, one of the most important teachings is contained in the parable of the Good Samaritan, when Jesus answers the question, ‘Who is my neighbour?’ It is a timeless story of a victim of a mugging who was ignored by his own countrymen but helped by a foreigner – and a despised foreigner at that. The implication drawn by Jesus is clear. Everyone is our neighbour, no matter what race, creed or colour. The need to look after a fellow human being is far more important than any cultural or religious differences.” (Christmas message, 2004)
“I know just how much I rely on my own faith to guide me through the good times and the bad. Each day is a new beginning, I know that the only way to live my life is to try to do what is right, to take the long view, to give of my best in all that the day brings, and to put my trust in God. Like others of you who draw inspiration from your own faith, I draw strength from the message of hope in the Christian gospel.” (Christmas message, 2002)
“For me, the life of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, whose birth we celebrate today, is an inspiration and an anchor in my life. A role model of reconciliation and forgiveness, he stretched out his hands in love, acceptance and healing. Christ’s example has taught me to seek to respect and value all people, of whatever faith or none.” (Christmas message, 2014)
Today, this quote from Queen Elizabeth II holds so much meaning as a she says, “It is true that the world has had to confront moments of darkness this year, but the Gospel of John contains a verse of great hope, often read at Christmas carol services: ‘The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it’… Despite being displaced and persecuted throughout his short life, Christ’s unchanging message was not one of revenge or violence but simply that we should love one another.” (Christmas message, 2015)
Seek the prosperity of the city to which I have sent you as exiles. Pray to the LORD on its behalf, for if it prospers, you too will prosper.” Jeremiah 29:7
Let’s Pray
Yahweh thank you for life and all its ups and downs. Father, please comfort those that mourn today, including the royal family. We pray for strength and comfort as they go through the burial of their mother, grandmother, and auntie. In your Word you say, “…I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone— for Kings and all those in authority— so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity. This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior,…” In Christ’s Name, Amen.
When was the last time you changed your mind? Maybe it was when you changed your outfit a couple of times this morning. Maybe it was changing your mind on your mail just after the waitress took your order. Maybe it was changing your mind about the perfect birthday or Christmas gift for a friend. Changing your mind over clothes, food, and gifts is not life-changing but there is a circumstance when changing your mind is powerful.
Paul says, “For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God and take every thought captive to obey Christ”. In other words, we need to change our minds when our thoughts do not align with God’s truth. There are times when a lie from the enemy spins in our minds and the thought patterns wage war within us to keep us from living in the victory of Christ. The process to change thought is to replace the lie with the truth.
4 Reasons to change your mind:
Change your mind from the thought of defeat to “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
Change your mind from the thought of no value to “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:13-14).
Change your mind from fear and failure to “the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in me” (Romans 8:11).
Change your mind from pity to “I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (Romans 8:18).
Today, as believers, we have the power to change our minds through Christ! Next time you change your fast-food order be reminded of how quickly that change happened. Changing your mind to the truth of Christ will allow you to live in the freedom He so freely gives.
Let’s Pray
Jehovah, my God, I know that I will battle my sinful nature as long as I live. Recently, that battle is in my mind. I am begging for You to quiet all voices except Your own. Let Your voice be as clear as the birds singing at dawn. Place a wall around me and fight for my mind as I seek to follow after You. I surrender my all to You. Amen.
Prayer rooms offer a time for reflection, a place to reflect on our faith and a place to pray. The decor can be a simple reminder of our faith, or it can be a beautiful room that offers a place for our prayers. If you want to create an inviting and comforting environment that enhances your spirituality and prayer time, it is important to create a space that feels like home. This is the reason why prayer room decor should always reflect individual taste. Whether you are a fan of modern or traditional decor, the companies such as Christian walls have a great selection of inspiring and inspirational Christian prayer room decor, to help you create the space you need to enjoy your daily prayer habit.
The prayer room is a special place of worship for Christians, a place to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and to spend time with Him. A good prayer room should be quiet, serene, and peaceful. It should be comfortable, not cold, and not too hot. It should be decorated in a manner that is pleasing to the eye, and should contain all the right elements, so that your soul can be at peace, for example footprints in the sand wall art & decor can really put your focus back on God. The prayer room will become a place that is special to you. You will look forward to entering it, and you will enter it with joy, and you will leave it with a feeling of peace and contentment.
The goal of Christian wall art or decor is to give you an atmosphere that you feel is safe and inviting, while still holding a sense of church.
A prayer room is one of the most important parts of a church building. It is the room used by Christians to pray in, and it is where they want to focus on God. This is a room that is filled with religious symbols. The symbol that is used the most is the Cross, next to the Bible. This is because Christianity is about following God’s word and keeping his word, and the Cross is the symbol of His word.
Snowflakes to decorate the Prayer Room
In Winter, we can use snowflakes to decorate the Prayer Room. Winter is a time of year that offers many opportunities to decorate your Prayer Room. Since snowflakes are not only beautiful, but also special and meaningful, you can use them in a variety of ways to decorate your Prayer Room.
Snowflakes just look amazing when we hang them on the ceiling. You can decorate your prayer room for Christmas or during any other holiday season. Snowflakes can be used to decorate the walls with posters and pictures that you want to share with your friends and family.
There are some great options that you can choose from to decorate your prayer room. It is very easy to make a snowflake with paper. If you have the courage to learn, you’re gonna make it!
Religious symbols on the wall
Crosses are used in prayer rooms because of their association with Jesus Christ. There is a common misconception that Jesus only performed miracles, but in reality Jesus fulfilled all the requirements to be considered a true Messiah, including being a great moral teacher and having a unique relationship with God.
Crosses are commonly used in Christian religious buildings for our inspirational meaning. Crosses have been made to be a variety of shapes and sizes, but the most common is the Latin cross. Historically, the cross has been used as a symbol of the Christian faith, symbolising both the crucifixion of Jesus, and his resurrection.
A cross in a Christian prayer room is a symbol of the Christian faith. It can be found in churches, homes, or on the walls of a Christian prayer room. It is a strong Christian symbol that has also become a popular item for other interior design items for homes and businesses. It is a beautiful design that can be found in many homes, as it is a well-loved symbol of Christianity. In the prayer room, a cross is used to create a connection with God.
Bible Verses hangings on the wall
There are many different ways to decorate your Prayer Room, but most of them are much the same. There are, of course, inspirational quotes, like those from the Bible, in the room. The Christian tradition has always been about sharing the Bible’s love and authority with others. Throughout Sacred Scripture, the Bible is represented by art, music, and other works of the imagination. This is because the Bible is the Word of God, an invitation to higher consciousness, a lifelong journey with how grace is the center of all.
We can use Candles for decor
Candles have been used to decorate for centuries, but did you know that they can also be quite useful for prayer, particularly in the Christian faith? Christian candle decor can help you express your faith in Christ, and also help you to live out your faith by using the symbolism of light and symbolically burning a candle to commemorate or celebrate a rite or special occasion.
You may be aware that when the temple was being built, there were many special candles that were used as part of the ceremony. In fact, many of the special candles used were made from pure frankincense and myrrh, which can still be used today in the Church. However, you may not know how these candles were used for worship and prayer.
There are many reasons to get a candle as a way to decorate your Prayer room. The candles are excellent for lighting up the room and helping you to focus on your intentions. They can also help in setting a mood for the room.
I have grown to enjoy the Christmas season. I like seeing cheerful decorations, spending time with family and friends, and eating Christmas goodies. My favorite part of Christmas, by far, though, is listening to carols and Christmas songs, one of my favourites is, “Joy to the World!”
Isaac Watts’ eighteenth-century carol based on Psalm 98, celebrates the coming of Christ. The joy of the Saviour’s coming should be resounding throughout all of creation, and the fields, the hills and plains “repeat the sounding joy.” This is good news for the entire world!
What’s so good about this news sang each Christmas? Isaac Watts answers that question in the third verse of this classic where he declares that Jesus has come to deal with the curse of human sin and rebellion. Through his death and resurrection, Jesus brings the blessing as “far as the curse is found.” Hallelujah!
This Christmas as you sing this carol “joy to the world’ don’t miss this theme mentioned throughout the song. To be released from bondage to sin and the power of death over us, we are now freed to live with joy, to love God and our neighbour, and to cultivate the earth God has given us. So let’s sing and shout throughout the universe with urgency and unity the joyul good news: “The Lord is come, let earth receive it’s King”!
I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. — Luke 2:10-11
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, we praise You for coming to release us from the power of sin and death. God, help us to live in ways that proclaim the wonders of Your love and the joy that Jesus brings. We give thanks for this joyful holiday when we can celebrate our Saviour and His love for us. With joy we pray, in Christ’s Name! Amen.
After the crucifixion, the mood of the disciples on the road to Emmaus could describe some of our moods after Christmas. The disciples were downcast. Did you know a time of anticipation is often followed by a time of letdown? In December everybody looks forward to Christmas morning. But once Christmas has come and gone, what is left to look forward to? Gifts need to be returned, the tree disposed of, decorations stored or thrown, and credit cards bills are sky high. We try to put off the letdown for as long as we can. We still have New Year to anticipate, but New Year is soon followed by another long hard year.
Before the crucifixion the disciples had hoped that Jesus, Mary’s son, was “the one.” In their disappointment they did not pay much attention to the person who came to walk along with them. They were surprised on the road to Emmaus, He did not seem to know what had happened at the cross. They told Him how their hopes had not been met in the way they had expected. Before the crucifixion they didn’t listen when He told them how the Christ had to suffer and then enter His glory.
Have you been so focused on the the events and the benefits, that you missed that this Christian walk is deeper than a date in December and some gift you want? The mood after Christmas can be a bit muted when we don’t get what we expect. After Christmas, shrug of the disappointment and unmet expectations, and recognise that the one we have been hoping for, the greatest gift to man, has been with us all along. Look beyond your boxing day of disappointment and embrace Christ who is always with you, and will meet all your expectations.
“We had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place.” — Luke 24:21
Let’s Pray
Yahweh our ever-present God, revealed in the Word and Christian symbols. God, please lift the veil of disappointment from our eyes, that we may see You are with us always, Don’t let us miss You this Christmas season. Help us to simplify our activities and traditions so we can focus our celebrations on You. in Jesus’ Name! Amen.
Nothing deterred the wilderness preacher John the Baptist from losing his focus on Christ. From the beginning, John made it clear that he was not the Messiah. His ministry was about pointing people to Christ the Lamb. When Jesus came to be baptized, John said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” Not even petty arguments, nor the fact that his followers left him to follow Jesus, caused him to lose focus. He simply said, “Christ must become greater; I must become less. John 3:30.” Then in John 3:29 he was full of joy because he had heard the bridegroom’s voice. Hallelujah!
At Christmas time, children and adults often ask, “What did you get for Christmas?” Unlike John the Baptist, how quickly we lose focus on Jesus, who came to give us salvation. Instead, we think of ourselves and the things we have or don’t have. Ask yourself today, “Am I full of joy because I have heard the Saviour’s voice and received His gifts?”
Today, stay focused on Christ the Lamb, because there is one event coming that is greater than Christmas. The day the Messiah will return. Then all who have heard His voice and have faith in Him as the Saviour will join with God’s people, singing, “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory!” What a day that will be!
“He must become greater; I must become less.” — John 3:30
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, help me to avoid getting caught up in my own interests and other distractions during this Christmas time. God, please guide me daily to stay focused on Your Son and His amazing love, now and until He returns. In Christ’s Name! Amen.
World Leprosy Day: Gospel for Asia-supported workers’ hands-on care for sufferers brings practical help and spiritual hope to those still marginalized by long-feared disease. WILLS POINT, Texas – Gospel for Asia (GFA) is spotlighting its efforts to bridge the historic social gulf caused by the disfiguring disease that leaves sufferers disadvantaged and often despised–one outstretched arm at a time. As Gospel for Asia-supported workers prepare a series of events offering hands-on care to sufferers across Asia, to mark World Leprosy Day, Sunday, Jan. 27, the organization is also publishing a special report on worldwide efforts to eradicate the disease.
A GFA-supported pastor helps a leprosy patient as part of the Reaching Friends Ministry caring for those afflicted by the stigmatizing disease.
The latest in an in-depth series of GFA reports addressing key global issues, “Leprosy: Misunderstandings and Stigma Keep it Alive” examines how leprosy continues to see those infected shunned despite breakthroughs in treatment, and the fact that most people are naturally immune to the disease.
Though there have been significant medical advances, more than 210,000 new cases were diagnosed in 2016–the majority of them in India. Millions more around the world are suspected to be infected but are not yet symptomatic because the disease’s incubation period is so long.
While doctors and scientists continue to work on prevention and treatment, GFA-supported workers are providing practical and emotional help to those affected. Often losing fingers and toes because leprosy’s nerve damage means they are unaware of infection and injury, many sufferers are left physically unable to work, or as a result of being shunned.
Through associated local churches and members of its Sisters of Compassion ministry, specially trained women missionaries, GFA helps provide practical care, from cooking and cleaning to bathing and dressing wounds. As well as providing physical help, these healing touches also seek to tend to emotional wounds by demonstrating to leprosy sufferers that they have not been rejected.
“When we were completely lost and dejected, Christ came to us and lived among us,” said GFA founder Dr. KP Yohannan.
“By serving these precious people who happen to be afflicted with leprosy, we are not doing anything extraordinary or special. We are simply extending the love that was first given to us.”
GFA’s ministry also endeavors to release patients from the guilt many carry because, the report notes, over the centuries many have believed the disease is the result of some great sin of theirs.
“Eliminating discrimination and false conceptions of leprosy is key to eliminating the disease itself,” the reports adds. All too frequent are “the stories of men and women abandoned by their spouses, in-laws, or even kicked out of their homes by their children.”
The World Leprosy Day outreaches are being arranged in addition to GFA’s ongoing ministry to care for patients. GFA-supported workers have reached thousands of leprosy patients since the Reaching Friends Ministry, as it is called, began in 2007. They visit some of the isolated colonies in which many patients are forced to live, often cut off from the rest of the world.
“We thought we would name the ministry differently, where they won’t have to remember their sickness or feel the stigma of it,” said Tarik, the pastor who helped launched the initiative.
“We thought, ‘Let us call them “friends” because they have been created in the image of God, like us. It is only the sickness that keeps them different, but let us not make that a barrier. Let us accept them as friends.’ “
Among the Sisters of Compassion reaching out is Sakshi, a former leprosy sufferer whose story is shared in the report: at one time she considered suicide because of her despair. Receiving treatment and care, and coming to faith through Reaching Friends Ministry, she now offers help and hope to others.
“Nobody wants to love them, hug them or to come near to them to dress them,” said Sakshi. “They have so many inner pains in their heart, because they also are human beings. They also need love, care and encouragement from other people.”
Observed internationally each year on the last Sunday in January, to raise public awareness of the disease, World Leprosy Day is marked on Jan 30 in India, to commemorate the death of leader Mahatma Gandhi, who championed concern and care for sufferers.
To read more news on World Leprosy Day on Missions Box, go here.
Gospel for Asia (GFA, www.gfa.org) and its worldwide affiliates have–for almost 40 years–provided humanitarian assistance and spiritual hope to millions across Asia, especially among those who have yet to hear the Good News. Last year, this included more than 70,000 children, free medical services in over 1,200 villages and remote communities, 4,600 wells drilled, 11,000 water filters installed, Christmas gifts for more than 200,000 needy families, and spiritual teaching available in 110 languages in 14 nations through radio ministry.
Fifty-three years on “A Charlie Brown Christmas” continues to be popular amongst a world plagued with social media and mountains of munchable content. When something maintains such a nostalgic repertoire in a crowded and noisy world it demonstrates meaningful substance.
At Christmas we are drawn towards things of nostalgia and worth. The Charlie Brown Christmas special definitely fits into this category. In the special there is one particular clip that has always struck me, Charlie Brown exclaims “isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?”. Following this, Linus takes to the stage under the spotlight tightly holding his security blanket. He begins to speak the words of Luke 2:8-14. “Fear not” (v.10) Linus declares.
In this moment, Linus acknowledges the “good news of great joy” (v.10) that “in the city of David a Saviour” (v.11) is born. He loosens his grip on his security blanket, allowing it to drift away onto the wooden floor. This climatic scene is certainly intentional from Charles Schulz. The reality of the Incarnation and the birth of Christ distances us from our fears. The sinful patterns that we continually lay in bondage to, Christ breaks. The Word becoming flesh means we can drop the false idols we cling to in our lives, clinging and trusting to all Christ has done.
The Incarnation complicates what we think of as a joyful, simple time of year. The Incarnation was the point in history, where the King of all kings, took on himself human nature. For the Christian, to deny the virgin birth would lead logically to denying the bodily resurrection of Christ too. As much as we might not understand all the intricacies and particulars of the Incarnation, we have to continue to uphold its occurrence. This mind-staggering event in the historical narrative of mankind means we no longer need to fear for two reasons – the Christ child would be our righteous representative and a submitting substitute on our behalf.
The Righteous Representative: In the storyline of the Bible, the beginnings of bliss and communing with God in the Garden of Eden was ended by Adam and Eve’s disobedience towards their Creator (Gen. 3). They were humanity’s first representatives. Through Adam’s disobedience we are all guilty; Paul affirms this numerous times in the New Testament in case we thought we got off scot-free. The truth is we deserve punishment for turning our backs on God but Christmas is not a time we want to think about having offended God. Surely we deserve something for participating in the beauty and innocence of the festive season? Although we plea, although we claim decency, we have all fallen short of God’s glory – turning to love created things rather than the Creator (Rom. 3:23; 1:20-25).
Where do we stand then? We stand as sinners. Unable to live up to God’s law; we commit to good and do as much as we can. A valley of fear and anxiety engulfs us as we can never attain perfect obedience unto the Father. But there is good news due to the entrance of Christ into space and time.
Where Adam failed, Christ obeyed. He did not surrender to temptation, he did not sway, he rooted himself in the truth of God’s Word. Christ has obeyed for us, he has become our righteous representative (to those who believe). Adam our ancestor of old failed, but Christ came fully satisfying and fulfilling the law we could have never (Gal. 4:4-5). Christ’s example resulted in justification and life for all men. Through the disobedience of one man the cosmos crumbled, so by the righteous Prince of Peace, corrupted and crushed hearts would be renewed (Rom. 5:18-19). Fear can no longer grip our hearts knowing Christ has perfectly obeyed for us, however, an exchange still had to be made.
The Submitting Substitute: Christ submitted to the Father’s will. From the crib, to the garden, to the cross. Christ committed himself to his Father. But, did he really have to be a man to pay the price for our sin? Surely God could work out some cosmic calculation to ease the punishment that would come upon Christ’s shoulders. Yet, there would be no point in me writing unless Christ was a man who died in our place to take away the penalty and power of sin that was due to us.
The author of Hebrews writes “For surely it is not the angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sin of the people” (2:16-17). Jesus is the ‘merciful and faithful high priest’ who has made provision for our sin. He had to be made like a man, not an angel, to be the propitiation to save men. From eternity past, Christ was the only acceptable substitute. Unless Christ was fully man he could have not paid the price for our sinful selves. We would be left to our own folly and chaos, but this baby would become the mediator: “there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Tim. 2:5).
Christ was the only acceptable sacrifice, the baby we acknowledge and celebrate at Christmas would one day make an agonising journey to the cross. He humbled himself above all else to the point of death on that wooden cross (Phil. 2:8). Why? So we might become children of God. Taking the sins of the world on himself, Christ the righteous representative took our sin and reconciled us back to God. Our sinful selves engrossed our minds and hearts with a fear of death, but because of the Incarnation we can proclaim “fear not!” like Linus. Christ has secured eternity for us through his once and for all sacrifice.
If there is anything we need to remember this Christmas its the Incarnation: “the Word became flesh” (John 1:14)- “It was the supreme, mind-staggering miracle; love prompted it; and our part is not to speculate about it and scale it down, but to wonder and adore and love and exalt Jesus” – J. I. Packer.
“But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light;those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy;they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil.For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian.For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire.For to us a child is born,to us a son is given;and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be calledWonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end,on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold itwith justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore.The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.”
This birth announcement arrives over 700 years in advance, announcing the good news of Jesus Christ. It tells us who He is…
Wonderful Counselor
These words describe the character of Jesus. The word “wonderful” means “incomprehensible.” In other words, He will cause us to be “in constant wonder and awe.” We see this throughout His life…born of the virgin Mary (Matthew 1:18), supernatural ability to heal, impactful teachings, a sinless life (Rom. 8:3-4), and the power to be raised from the dead (Mark 16). He counseled us to live counter-intuitively to the wisdom of this world…rejoice in suffering and persecution (Rom. 5:3-5), receive a blessing for being poor in spirit (Matt. 5:3), serve rather than be served (Matt. 20:28), and much, much more.
As our counselor, He knows us better than we know ourselves (John 2:25). His ways are always perfect (Ps. 18:30). He attains all knowledge and wisdom, including the nature and character of mankind (Psalm 139:1-2). He understands what we are going through and is available to listen at all times (Psalm 121:2-4). Jesus always has our best interests at heart (Psalm 36:7).
Mighty God
God’s power is unlimited (Job 36:2-4); He can do whatever He wants whenever He wants (Ps. 115:3). He knows no bounds (Job 11:8-18). He is the creator of all things (Neh. 9:6), the King of heaven (Ps. 95:3), the God of all mankind (1 Cor. 11:3). He is the only God (Is. 45:5-12). He is eternal (Gen. 21:33) and everlasting (Hab. 1:12), the Alpha and Omega (Rev. 21:6). He has been and always will be. He is able to do greater things than we can ask or fathom (Eph. 3:20). No one can keep track of all His miracles (Job 9:10). He answers to no one because no one is as Mighty as He (Ps. 50:9-10).
Everlasting Father
The Messiah is the father of time, and His fatherhood will never end (Rev. 1:8). The baby Jesus would be crowned King, the protector and provider of the children of God. He is not limited by age or death. As a father, his love is unconditional (Eph. 2:4-5). As children of God, our identity is secure in Him (John 10:30,38). Nothing can separate us from His love (Rom. 8:35-39). He is the perfect father.
Prince of Peace
Jesus is our Peace. We live in a crazy, chaotic, broken world with messy people every day. This is the world we know now. It is our normal until we encounter Jesus. He gives us peace in the midst of the chaos; revealing we are deeply loved (Eph. 1:16-18), redeeming us from sin (Rom. 5:8, 10), and releasing us to live freely in Him (Phil. 4:6-7).
What name of Jesus speaks most to you today and why?
As Christians we always talk about Jesus being the “Son of God” but I don’t think that we do a good job of helping others understand what this means, in fact, I have known many Christians who struggle to articulate the truth that Jesus is the “Son of God”. For this reason, I want to take a moment and clarify this concept in order to add a layer of depth to our faith. I will do so very quickly so as not to complicate an already difficult topic.
The short and sweet of it is this: The phrase “Son of God” or “God’s One and Only Son” is not referring to Jesus being a child of God as a result of his sexual interaction with a spiritual female in heaven. It is important to know that our Mormon friends believe this to be case, which is different from Evangelical Christianity and its belief that Jesus Christ is completely equal with the Father and that they have always existed together as One. Jesus may have (certainly was) been born on earth from a human woman, but he was never born in heaven–He just was. The truth is that it means Jesus is the perfect mirror reflection of God the Father. When we see Jesus we see God the Father and we see the Holy Spirit. This is the relationship that is described. The verse that does the best job in clarifying the topic is this:
Hebrews 1:3 “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact expression of His nature, sustaining all things by His powerful word. After making purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.
When you read the Gospel of John it becomes very evident that the Jews, who stated that they believed in God the Father, truly did not believe in the One true God because they did not believe that Jesus was equal with Him. When they saw Jesus they did not see God; they saw only a man (The Son of Man). But those who believe in the One true God see the Father when they see Jesus.
We see the conflict in John 10:31-33, which reads:
Again the Jews picked up rocks to stone Him. Jesus replied, “I have shown you many good works from the Father. Which of these works are you stoning Me for?” “We aren’t stoning You for a good work,” the Jews answered, “but for blasphemy, because You–being a man–make Yourself God.”
What they refused to believe was that they were looking at the image of Father God when they looked upon the person of Jesus of Christ. It would have been OK for Jesus to claim to be a prophet, or even a perfect human being perhaps, but not God in Flesh. Or some religions are OK if you believe that Jesus is literally a son of God, one of many gods, but not equal with God in every way.
