How we handle the Bible will determine whether we stay in the shadows or engage intimately with Christ. Our movement must be from principles to practice, which leads us to the Person Jesus Christ. This week’s message is about the movement that must happen in our lives daily, where we glean principles from the Bible, endeavour by God’s grace to put them into practice in order to draw near and abide in the presence of the person Jesus Christ.
As we enter this New Year with all its uncertainties, my invitation to all of us is – rather than get caught up in all the fog of unknowing, let us do one thing that is certain to make 2021 a blessed year. Keep in rhythm with God.
In Matthew’s Gospel, the birth of Jesus is limited to three historical events. A potential scandal that ended happily in marriage, a group of “magicians” from the East who came looking for the King and a madman who slaughtered innocent babies. As we look at the Christmas story through the lenses of Matthew, we ask an important question: “ What is the right response and what will it take for us to give the right response to Jesus the Christ?
The Christmas message is a message of grace and truth. Grace and truth are inseparable. The Bible tells us that Jesus was full of grace and truth. As we approach this busy Christmas season, let us take an honest look at the way we do relationship with God, others and ourselves.
Christmas is a celebration of Christ’s first coming but it should also be a reminder that He is coming again. This week’s message is a timely reminder that just as the Bible foretold Christ’s first coming, it has also told us He is coming again. The people of God missed the Christ when He came the first time. May we not miss Him when He returns the second time.
The first coming of Jesus Christ was an invasion. Heaven invaded the earth. The true Christmas message is found in the first chapter of John’s Gospel. Christ’s coming has given access to the privilege of becoming children of God through rebirth.