Christmas! For some it is ‘X-Mas’ where celebration of the birth of Christ seems without His presence. For others it is just a usual programme. For some it is a moment of laughter and enjoyment in the flesh. For others Christmas is an opportunity to enjoy special and high-grade drinks. For some it is just a vacation to be spent outside and freedom from home. And yes, no matter where, for others it is a time when Christ the savior is truly born in the hearts.
It happened in those days that a decree was passed from Augustus the Caesar who ruled the Roman Empire in between 31 BC to AD 14 that the entire world should be registered and the census accounted. Nevertheless, it came to be the right moment when the prophecy which states, “but you, O Bethlehem Ephrata, though you are the least among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to me the one to be ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting” fulfilled. The Savior of this world called Jesus, the Messiah, the redeemer was born!
‘Christmas’ is a moment when the birth of this Jesus, the Savior, the anointed one is celebrated not just to mark but to magnify. This very season of our savior whispers the minds and feeling of each and everyone. Over 2000 years have been now, but still the approaching Christmas is knocking the hearts of everyone and the echoing whisper has the air filled.Over 2000 years ago; that ruler of the empire thought that another ruler against his kingdom was born,
Over 2000 years ago, the Jews expected that a political king would come to liberate them on this earth. So when the child was born in a manger they could not accept Him as their Lord and king.
Over 2000 years ago and even today; those group of Jews reluctant to accept that the Messiah has come.
Over 2000 years ago, a star appeared in the east with a dazzling significance.
Over 2000 years ago, the magi from the east came to bow and worship the Lord of the wise.
Over 2000 years ago, the heavenly host appeared praising, “glory to God in the highest; and on Earth peace, goodwill to men!”
Over 2000 years ago, the shepherds when they had seen the child, came back spreading about what they had seen.
Over 2000 years ago, Simeon the just and devout took the baby in his arms and praise Jehovah.
Over 2000 years ago, Anna the prophetess spoke of the born savior to all those who look for redemption of Jerusalem.
Over 2000 years ago, king Herod put to death all the male children born in Bethlehem and all its districts from two years old and below.
Over 2000 years ago, a history came into being that God came to this world in the form of man.
Over 2000 years ago and still Christ Jesus lives; whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
Over 2000 years ago and even now the voice of the heavenly host, the still voice of the Holy Spirit about the birth of our savior echoes tenderly in the hearts of every Christian all around the world. The birth of our Savior is not a history or a festival alone to be observed and celebrated alone but the living testimony of our living God to be celebrated along. Christmas is all about the Living Jesus Christ who lives in you and me. Christmas is all about Christ in you and me. It is all about making Christ Lord in and over our lives. Christmas is all about letting Christ born in our hearts and enthroning Him over our lives. Christmas is all about sharing Christ to others. Christmas is giving our best for Christ and forgiving others in the name of Christ Jesus. Christmas is all about Christ testimony in us not just today, this season and this year but all through our lives and all through the years.
C. Wongtochingmak, Pastor
Chang Baptist Church Dimapur
