Pastor Dr. Daniel Ho, Christmas morning
Scandals are outrageous and utterly shocking.
In 1995, a young man created a huge scandal. The young man, Nick Leeson, 28 then brought Barings down with the loss he caused. He was sent to 6.5 years in prison.
Another scandal involves a young girl who had an encounter with an angel.
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Saturday, December 24, 2011
This Year in Review: 3 Crucial Lessons for 2011 #sermon #dumcMY #fb
Pastor Dr. Daniel Ho, Christmas Eve
Act 4:18-31 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. (19) But Peter and John replied, "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God. (20) For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard." (21) After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. (22) For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old. (23) On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. (24) When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. "Sovereign Lord," they said, "you made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. (25) You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David: " 'Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? (26) The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Anointed One. ' (27) Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. (28) They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. (29) Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. (30) Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus." (31) After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
Sep 11 2011 is a defining moment in human history. On that day, a few people brought one of the strongest nations to its knees. Defining moments / turning points / watershed may not be publicly known. Sometimes it comes quietly.
Act 4:18-31 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. (19) But Peter and John replied, "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God. (20) For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard." (21) After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. (22) For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old. (23) On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. (24) When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. "Sovereign Lord," they said, "you made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. (25) You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David: " 'Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? (26) The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Anointed One. ' (27) Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. (28) They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. (29) Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. (30) Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus." (31) After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
Sep 11 2011 is a defining moment in human history. On that day, a few people brought one of the strongest nations to its knees. Defining moments / turning points / watershed may not be publicly known. Sometimes it comes quietly.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
The Day that Changed the World #dumc
Pastor Dr. Daniel Ho, Christmas Day
Luk 1:25-38 "Thus the Lord has done for me in the days when he looked on me, to take away my reproach among people." (26) In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, (27) to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. (28) And he came to her and said, "Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!" (29) But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. (30) And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. (31) And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. (32) He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, (33) and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end." (34) And Mary said to the angel, "How will this be, since I am a virgin?" (35) And the angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy--the Son of God. (36) And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. (37) For nothing will be impossible with God." (38) And Mary said, "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.
On the Tuesday morning of 6 Jun 1944, the Allied forces landed on Normandy and thus began the defeat of the Nazis. It was often known as D-Day. It changed the course history. There is another Tuesday with great historical impact, that is 11 Sep 2001. America was attacked.
There was another day that shook the world and changed the history of mankind forever.
Announced prophetically (Is 7:14, Micah 5:2)
Notebook acting up. There will not be full notes.
Announced in privacy (Luke 1:34, 35, 37)
Proclaimed in glory (Luke 2:8-12)
God intended favour and peace for us. It is up to receive it.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
The Coming that Disturbed the World #dumc
Pastor Phua Seng Tiong, 19/12/2010
Christmas is one of the most misunderstood / misrepresented seasons. People celebrate without knowing the
real reason. (Jesse and I found out that christmas / noel refers to the period between Dec 24 to Jan 06).
We read about the wikileak. We want to leak the good news.
Christmas is one of the most misunderstood / misrepresented seasons. People celebrate without knowing the
real reason. (Jesse and I found out that christmas / noel refers to the period between Dec 24 to Jan 06).
We read about the wikileak. We want to leak the good news.
Friday, November 19, 2010
It’s a mad Madworld
17/11/2010 (Wed)
2 characters, 8 scenes, 1 MadWorld.
I have the privilege to attend the bloggers’ preview of MadWorld, a joint Christmas production by DUMC and SIB.
During the briefing before the run, Ronny Shim the producer, explained that MadWorld is one word because the subject is not the world (as in the world being mad) but the people in the world.
The cast can dance. I got goose bumps watching a dance sequence before the preview proper. They can sing too.
MadWorld tells the stories of Adam, the victim and Lucas, the one who had it all. While their lives are worlds apart, they both seek the answer to the same question – “what is the value of their souls?” Does the value of our souls correspond to our possessions?
Two vast different views are represented by Pearly and Sinister respectively.
I had to ask Jesse the name of one song. It was Sexy Back.
What is Christmas really? Is there more to the celebration and party? While we are have a good time. Do we care about the suffering of the others?
So many are caught up in their own existence. We don’t even know that we are suffering.
I chose to focus on the stage performance. I didn’t look at the media on the monitors. With the media I will get the complete picture. The show is 80% non-verbal.
From what I see, this is shaping up to be a good show – heart pumping music, beautiful singing, powerful dancing, good choreography and an important question. Come to the MadWorld.
Show times at the DUMC Dream Centre (map here). No tickets required. Come one, come all.
2 characters, 8 scenes, 1 MadWorld.
I have the privilege to attend the bloggers’ preview of MadWorld, a joint Christmas production by DUMC and SIB.
During the briefing before the run, Ronny Shim the producer, explained that MadWorld is one word because the subject is not the world (as in the world being mad) but the people in the world.
The cast can dance. I got goose bumps watching a dance sequence before the preview proper. They can sing too.
MadWorld tells the stories of Adam, the victim and Lucas, the one who had it all. While their lives are worlds apart, they both seek the answer to the same question – “what is the value of their souls?” Does the value of our souls correspond to our possessions?
Two vast different views are represented by Pearly and Sinister respectively.
I had to ask Jesse the name of one song. It was Sexy Back.
What is Christmas really? Is there more to the celebration and party? While we are have a good time. Do we care about the suffering of the others?
So many are caught up in their own existence. We don’t even know that we are suffering.
I chose to focus on the stage performance. I didn’t look at the media on the monitors. With the media I will get the complete picture. The show is 80% non-verbal.
From what I see, this is shaping up to be a good show – heart pumping music, beautiful singing, powerful dancing, good choreography and an important question. Come to the MadWorld.
Show times at the DUMC Dream Centre (map here). No tickets required. Come one, come all.
- Dec 3 – 8:00 pm
- Dec 5 – 3:30 pm and 8:00 pm (2 shows on Sunday!)
- Christmas Eve, Friday – 8.00pm
- Christmas Day – 7.30pm
- Boxing Day – 10.00am and 7.30pm (2 shows on Sunday too)
Thursday, December 25, 2008
A Beautiful Christmas (not the sermon)
Christmas Eve 1230
We had a Christmas lunch in the office. I had fun with my colleagues. The recent training with some of them helped to build bridges. I am always happy with be with my own division. In the gift exchange, I got a 300ml bottle of Molten Brown Invigorating Suma Ginseng Bath and Shower. It's about RM90. Hmm ... I will let Jesse and Kathleen and Jesse try it.
I received gifts (individual and groups) from my colleagues. The cake is still in the fridge. I want K and Jesse to see the complete thing before we start eating it together. The other gifts are on the table. I want to open them together with K and Jesse when they come back. If you think you spot a recurring theme, you are right. I missed them. Now, if they can come back with a little bit less noise ...
Christmas Even 1845
I reached church. Yek called and needed me to switch on the PA system. I turned it on. The PC could not be switched on. I called Ps David to tell him. There could be more friction and I think I don't care anymore. We had a good practice. Jamie was mulling a chord at the 2nd last bar of Silent Night. I sought help from Khiam Su but I could not get him. I then asked Jun Hua and he gave me F#m and that did the trick. We had a good dinner. I texted K and told her how much a louse I thought I was for didn't think of inviting some of our friends. They were there. Pastor Reynold must have invited them. Bad bad Loong. Worship was good. I used my notebook to project the PowerPoint. Then I moved it back to the PA area to plug in the USB device to record the sermon. Ps Ong was passionate as usual. I then moved the notebook to the front to show PowerPoint during ministry time again. Ministry time took a bit of time. Pastor Ong prayed for many people. Whenever I see a person (from a couple) getting prayed for, I'd pull the spouse / fiancee forward so they could be prayed for together. Pastor Reynold said he'd help to lock up. I got a ride from Suzie.
Christmas Day 0630
Way Mun was to pick me up at 0715. Even thought I slept late last night, I got up early. But I simply didn't want to leave the bed. I laid there, snoozing the alarm again and again until 0650. I cleaned up and changed. Way Mun called and said he'd be late. While I waited outside, the sister who cleans our house passed by on the way to do her morning walk in the field. We chatted a bit. Then Way Mun came.
Christmas Day 0750
We reached the River of Christ church before the service started at 0800. After worship, Pastor Alexa talked about the significance of the incarnation. She challenged us to go out there not as a duty but as a response to God's love. Pastor Monica in her closing prayer also made similar challenge. Go get them was the message.
Christmas Day (around 0915?)
I got a ride from Jeremy. I was at Kompleks Muhibbah for the first time. It was a large area. Some of us were there as early as 0430 to clean up the place and set it up. Praise God for them. I checked out the games stalls.
Christmas Day (around 1015)
I went through the program with Judy, my co-host. We quickly decided some stage games. There were lots of presents to be given away. There was a HUGE crowd. Most of them have been coming back to the carnival year after year. The organizing churches are truly working very hard to connect to the residents. Visitors got free good, RM1 coupon to play games and to get lucky draws. It was something many of them look forward to each year.
We had presentations by each of the five churches. Burn (of Akademi Fantasia fame) also made an appearance. He was not shy to declare his faith.
Mr Yew (my former principal and current vendor) brought his family. I am glad I invited him. He and his family enjoyed themselves. His 2nd daughter won 2nd prize in the colouring contest for the 10 to 12 category.
The was a cottage sale. Clothes, toys are other things were going for RM1 per bag (take all you can!) At 1445, we announced that it was going to take all you can for FREE. Have you ever seen throng of people moving in one direction? Oh, many of them mistook the gift redemtion counter as the place for the cottage sale. I quickly pointed them to the correct place. After the main prizes were given out (the two grand prizes were Samsung mobile phones.)
I really admire the brothers and sisters who worked to hard. If they are not doing it out of love of God and the people, there is no way they are going to do it year after year. These people shine with the love of God.
Well, K and Jesse are to reach home either after lunch or in the evening tomorrow. 1 more day before I go back to reality. End of dream. :)
We had a Christmas lunch in the office. I had fun with my colleagues. The recent training with some of them helped to build bridges. I am always happy with be with my own division. In the gift exchange, I got a 300ml bottle of Molten Brown Invigorating Suma Ginseng Bath and Shower. It's about RM90. Hmm ... I will let Jesse and Kathleen and Jesse try it.
I received gifts (individual and groups) from my colleagues. The cake is still in the fridge. I want K and Jesse to see the complete thing before we start eating it together. The other gifts are on the table. I want to open them together with K and Jesse when they come back. If you think you spot a recurring theme, you are right. I missed them. Now, if they can come back with a little bit less noise ...
Christmas Even 1845
I reached church. Yek called and needed me to switch on the PA system. I turned it on. The PC could not be switched on. I called Ps David to tell him. There could be more friction and I think I don't care anymore. We had a good practice. Jamie was mulling a chord at the 2nd last bar of Silent Night. I sought help from Khiam Su but I could not get him. I then asked Jun Hua and he gave me F#m and that did the trick. We had a good dinner. I texted K and told her how much a louse I thought I was for didn't think of inviting some of our friends. They were there. Pastor Reynold must have invited them. Bad bad Loong. Worship was good. I used my notebook to project the PowerPoint. Then I moved it back to the PA area to plug in the USB device to record the sermon. Ps Ong was passionate as usual. I then moved the notebook to the front to show PowerPoint during ministry time again. Ministry time took a bit of time. Pastor Ong prayed for many people. Whenever I see a person (from a couple) getting prayed for, I'd pull the spouse / fiancee forward so they could be prayed for together. Pastor Reynold said he'd help to lock up. I got a ride from Suzie.
Christmas Day 0630
Way Mun was to pick me up at 0715. Even thought I slept late last night, I got up early. But I simply didn't want to leave the bed. I laid there, snoozing the alarm again and again until 0650. I cleaned up and changed. Way Mun called and said he'd be late. While I waited outside, the sister who cleans our house passed by on the way to do her morning walk in the field. We chatted a bit. Then Way Mun came.
Christmas Day 0750
We reached the River of Christ church before the service started at 0800. After worship, Pastor Alexa talked about the significance of the incarnation. She challenged us to go out there not as a duty but as a response to God's love. Pastor Monica in her closing prayer also made similar challenge. Go get them was the message.
Christmas Day (around 0915?)
I got a ride from Jeremy. I was at Kompleks Muhibbah for the first time. It was a large area. Some of us were there as early as 0430 to clean up the place and set it up. Praise God for them. I checked out the games stalls.
Christmas Day (around 1015)
I went through the program with Judy, my co-host. We quickly decided some stage games. There were lots of presents to be given away. There was a HUGE crowd. Most of them have been coming back to the carnival year after year. The organizing churches are truly working very hard to connect to the residents. Visitors got free good, RM1 coupon to play games and to get lucky draws. It was something many of them look forward to each year.
We had presentations by each of the five churches. Burn (of Akademi Fantasia fame) also made an appearance. He was not shy to declare his faith.
Mr Yew (my former principal and current vendor) brought his family. I am glad I invited him. He and his family enjoyed themselves. His 2nd daughter won 2nd prize in the colouring contest for the 10 to 12 category.
The was a cottage sale. Clothes, toys are other things were going for RM1 per bag (take all you can!) At 1445, we announced that it was going to take all you can for FREE. Have you ever seen throng of people moving in one direction? Oh, many of them mistook the gift redemtion counter as the place for the cottage sale. I quickly pointed them to the correct place. After the main prizes were given out (the two grand prizes were Samsung mobile phones.)
I really admire the brothers and sisters who worked to hard. If they are not doing it out of love of God and the people, there is no way they are going to do it year after year. These people shine with the love of God.
Brother Andrew gave me a lift to my parent's place where I had a meal (the first of the day. I don't eat when I need to do things. I don't have to go to the toilet. So I was tired and hungry.) After the meal, Jason, the boyfriend of my sister Peng gave me a lift home. I was so tired. I turned on some Christmas music, took a shower and waited until I was not so full before I had salad for dinner.
Epilogue
With K and Jesse away, I was slightly uncomfortable of doing this MC thing. I was alone (at home) and I needed transport. But as I expected, I'd come home feeling glad I was part of it. I did feel glad. This always happened to me. I am becoming more predictable to myself.
Well, K and Jesse are to reach home either after lunch or in the evening tomorrow. 1 more day before I go back to reality. End of dream. :)
Sunday, December 21, 2008
A Beautiful Christmas
Beautiful Christmas
Deacon Joshua Chan, 21/12/2008
In this Christmas season, we see decorations and hear carols in the shopping malls. To many people, beautiful lightings, nice decorations, buying and giving gifts, parties and turkeys are Christmas.
What does a beautiful Christmas mean to us? Some of us have known the Lord Jesus for some time and we know Christmas is about the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. We may have watched plays and dramas on this. Many of these plays were based on Luke.
We will read from Luke 1 to see Mary’s response to the call of God.
There was a 400-year period between the prophet Malachi and the birth of Jesus when God seems to be silent. The Jews were waiting for the promised Messiah. They were a chosen people proud of their identity. They see themselves as a class above others. If a child did not learn well, it’s not the fault of the child but the fault of the teacher. Not only God has chosen them but God also has established a covenant with them. In Gen 12, God promised to make Abraham a great nation and that all that blesses him will be blessed.
In 2 Sam 7:16, God promised David that his throne would be established forever. But David’s kingdom lasted only about 300+ years. The Babylonians conquered them and the Jews were taken into exile. This certainly cast doubts in the hearts of the Jews. The nation of Judah no longer existed. Yet, God has not given up hope on his people.
Isa 9:6 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 called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Jer 23:5-8 "Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. (6) In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: 'The LORD is our righteousness.' (7) "Therefore, behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when they shall no longer say, 'As the LORD lives who brought up the people of Israel out of the land of Egypt,' (8) but 'As the LORD lives who brought up and led the offspring of the house of Israel out of the north country and out of all the countries where he had driven them.' Then they shall dwell in their own land."
The prophecies mentioned in Isaiah and Jeremiah did not happen very soon. In the times of Malachi, the people were impatient and some stopped to listen to God. It’s as if God is giving the silent treatment to the Jews. The antidote to a silent treatment is repentance. During those years, the Jews were under tremendous pressures. There were many enemies. Even the freedom to worship God was oppressed. The Jews were not allowed to observe the Sabbath. No one was allowed to read the Torah in public. Circumcisions and other Jewish customs were banned. Violation of the law is punishable by death. Generations passed without any sign of the fulfillment of God’s prophecy of the Messiah.
After 400 years, God broke the silence. He sent forth His messenger to make an announcement.
Hear the Message of Christmas
Luk 1:26-33 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, (27) to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. (28) And he came to her and said, "Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!" (29) But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. (30) And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. (31) And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. (32) He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, (33) and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end."
This message carried so much hope for Mary. It showed that God is still a God of hope when everything seems bleak. God is always working. He chooses the right timing to fulfill His promises. If we are in a difficult situation, do not give up hope. Let this message given by the angel remind us that there is hope. The world cannot give us security. But Christians have hope and we can share this hope with the world. We should take the opportunity to share the good news.
Ask about the Message of Christmas
Luk 1:34-38 And Mary said to the angel, "How will this be, since I am a virgin?" (35) And the angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy--the Son of God. (36) And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. (37) For nothing will be impossible with God." (38) And Mary said, "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.
Mary asked the angel how it could that she would bear a child as she was a virgin. The Apostle’s Creed emphasized the virgin birth of Jesus. Jesus Christ was born of the work of the Holy Spirit and not by human conception. Why was a virgin birth necessary? There were many opinions including sexual purity and having no part of a human father. If Jesus was born via ordinary human conception then he would have inherited Adam’s sin. If Jesus had inherited Adam’s sinful nature then he would be corruptible and hence could not save himself and others. For a redeemer to save the sinners, he must be sinless. There are no other religious leaders in the world who are sinless. Only Jesus is qualified to save us.
Besides being born of a virgin, Jesus also performed many miracles, including turning water into wine, feeding 5,000 with 2 fish and 5 loaves of bread. He calmed the storm and walked on water. He proclaimed and empty nests were filled. He healed many. The lame walked. The blind saw. The dead rose again.
Joh 3:5-6 Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. (6) That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
Salvation for mankind can only be obtained from a spiritual birth. No one could earn his / her salvation on his / her own. We must come to Jesus who is our only hope. The divine birth was so unique and significant in the history of mankind that even the angels rejoiced. Unfortunately, many did not take seriously this account of supernatural birth.
As Pastor Intern Melissa prayed, God withheld nothing. He gave His only begotten Son to us.
Let us return to God with a purpose. Do not forsake the first love. Do not wait until God gave us a silent treatment.
Mal 4:5-6 "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes. (6) And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction."
God warned Israel. He then did not speak to them for 400 years.
Announce and Celebrate the Message of Christmas
Mary hurried to the town to announce the Christmas message to Elizabeth with a song.
Luk 1:46-49 And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, (47) and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, (48) for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; (49) for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.
Luk 1:54-56 He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, (55) as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever." (56) And Mary remained with her about three months and returned to her home.
When God spoke, there was once again hope and assurance. When God spoke, He fulfilled the prophecy of the everlasting kingdom of David. When God spoke, he brought good news and joy to the world. To Mary, it was the greatest news ever. The Might One has finally remembered His people.
As Christians, are we as excited as Mary? As we celebrate Christmas and the true meaning of Christmas, are we celebrating the truth as well? Do not let Christmas be just another festival. Allow the Christmas message to stir our hearts to once again be passionate to proclaim the good news to the world.
Deacon Joshua Chan, 21/12/2008
In this Christmas season, we see decorations and hear carols in the shopping malls. To many people, beautiful lightings, nice decorations, buying and giving gifts, parties and turkeys are Christmas.
What does a beautiful Christmas mean to us? Some of us have known the Lord Jesus for some time and we know Christmas is about the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. We may have watched plays and dramas on this. Many of these plays were based on Luke.
We will read from Luke 1 to see Mary’s response to the call of God.
There was a 400-year period between the prophet Malachi and the birth of Jesus when God seems to be silent. The Jews were waiting for the promised Messiah. They were a chosen people proud of their identity. They see themselves as a class above others. If a child did not learn well, it’s not the fault of the child but the fault of the teacher. Not only God has chosen them but God also has established a covenant with them. In Gen 12, God promised to make Abraham a great nation and that all that blesses him will be blessed.
In 2 Sam 7:16, God promised David that his throne would be established forever. But David’s kingdom lasted only about 300+ years. The Babylonians conquered them and the Jews were taken into exile. This certainly cast doubts in the hearts of the Jews. The nation of Judah no longer existed. Yet, God has not given up hope on his people.
Isa 9:6 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 called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Jer 23:5-8 "Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. (6) In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: 'The LORD is our righteousness.' (7) "Therefore, behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when they shall no longer say, 'As the LORD lives who brought up the people of Israel out of the land of Egypt,' (8) but 'As the LORD lives who brought up and led the offspring of the house of Israel out of the north country and out of all the countries where he had driven them.' Then they shall dwell in their own land."
The prophecies mentioned in Isaiah and Jeremiah did not happen very soon. In the times of Malachi, the people were impatient and some stopped to listen to God. It’s as if God is giving the silent treatment to the Jews. The antidote to a silent treatment is repentance. During those years, the Jews were under tremendous pressures. There were many enemies. Even the freedom to worship God was oppressed. The Jews were not allowed to observe the Sabbath. No one was allowed to read the Torah in public. Circumcisions and other Jewish customs were banned. Violation of the law is punishable by death. Generations passed without any sign of the fulfillment of God’s prophecy of the Messiah.
After 400 years, God broke the silence. He sent forth His messenger to make an announcement.
Hear the Message of Christmas
Luk 1:26-33 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, (27) to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. (28) And he came to her and said, "Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!" (29) But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. (30) And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. (31) And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. (32) He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, (33) and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end."
This message carried so much hope for Mary. It showed that God is still a God of hope when everything seems bleak. God is always working. He chooses the right timing to fulfill His promises. If we are in a difficult situation, do not give up hope. Let this message given by the angel remind us that there is hope. The world cannot give us security. But Christians have hope and we can share this hope with the world. We should take the opportunity to share the good news.
Ask about the Message of Christmas
Luk 1:34-38 And Mary said to the angel, "How will this be, since I am a virgin?" (35) And the angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy--the Son of God. (36) And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. (37) For nothing will be impossible with God." (38) And Mary said, "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.
Mary asked the angel how it could that she would bear a child as she was a virgin. The Apostle’s Creed emphasized the virgin birth of Jesus. Jesus Christ was born of the work of the Holy Spirit and not by human conception. Why was a virgin birth necessary? There were many opinions including sexual purity and having no part of a human father. If Jesus was born via ordinary human conception then he would have inherited Adam’s sin. If Jesus had inherited Adam’s sinful nature then he would be corruptible and hence could not save himself and others. For a redeemer to save the sinners, he must be sinless. There are no other religious leaders in the world who are sinless. Only Jesus is qualified to save us.
Besides being born of a virgin, Jesus also performed many miracles, including turning water into wine, feeding 5,000 with 2 fish and 5 loaves of bread. He calmed the storm and walked on water. He proclaimed and empty nests were filled. He healed many. The lame walked. The blind saw. The dead rose again.
Joh 3:5-6 Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. (6) That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
Salvation for mankind can only be obtained from a spiritual birth. No one could earn his / her salvation on his / her own. We must come to Jesus who is our only hope. The divine birth was so unique and significant in the history of mankind that even the angels rejoiced. Unfortunately, many did not take seriously this account of supernatural birth.
As Pastor Intern Melissa prayed, God withheld nothing. He gave His only begotten Son to us.
Let us return to God with a purpose. Do not forsake the first love. Do not wait until God gave us a silent treatment.
Mal 4:5-6 "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes. (6) And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction."
God warned Israel. He then did not speak to them for 400 years.
Announce and Celebrate the Message of Christmas
Mary hurried to the town to announce the Christmas message to Elizabeth with a song.
Luk 1:46-49 And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, (47) and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, (48) for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; (49) for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.
Luk 1:54-56 He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, (55) as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever." (56) And Mary remained with her about three months and returned to her home.
When God spoke, there was once again hope and assurance. When God spoke, He fulfilled the prophecy of the everlasting kingdom of David. When God spoke, he brought good news and joy to the world. To Mary, it was the greatest news ever. The Might One has finally remembered His people.
As Christians, are we as excited as Mary? As we celebrate Christmas and the true meaning of Christmas, are we celebrating the truth as well? Do not let Christmas be just another festival. Allow the Christmas message to stir our hearts to once again be passionate to proclaim the good news to the world.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Hark the Herald Angels Sing
I give you the 2 stanzas of the song that are not normally seen. Solid theology.
Come, Desire of nations, come,
Fix in us thy humble home;
Rise, the woman’s conquering seed,
Bruise in us the serpent’s head.
Now display thy saving power,
Ruined nature now restore;
Now in mystic union join
Thine to ours, and ours to thine.
Adam’s likeness, Lord, efface;
Stamp Thy image in its place.
Second Adam from above,
Reinstate us in thy love.
Let us Thee, though lost, regain,
Thee, the life, the inner Man:
O! to all thyself impart,
Form’d in each believing heart.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)