The central message of Christmas is the joy, peace and love of God who sent His son, Jesus, as a Saviour King to all people (Luke 2:10). Pastor Ken shared the three miracles of Christmas:
1) Emmanuel, “God with us” (Matthew 1:23)
“The Word became flesh and dwelled among us”. God did not send a decoy, an angel or a representative; Jesus came personally, in person, to live among us. To save us, work with and for us, not against us. Better yet, before He ascended to heaven, He left the Holy Spirit to dwell inside us so we can have God in us at all times.
2) Second Birth (Matthew 1:20-21)
Jesus came, lived a sinless life and then died on the cross to atone for our sins. Having been made righteous with Jesus’ sacrifice, man is reconciled to God. We therefore do not need to die a spiritual death to pay for our sins. Additionally, we are given the Spirit of the Son in us and hence elevated to the highest status to inherit the full rights as sons of God (Gal 4:6). We are a new creation with a new beginning and new future!
3) Healing and Wholeness (Psalm 107:20)
God promised that when we believe in Him, He will give us an abundant life. We are also made whole. Pastor Ken shared His experiences in the mission field and in his church on how people who were stricken with illnesses were given sight, hearing and healing from their infirmities. He encouraged the congregation not to ‘beg’ God to heal but to proclaim healing. Although he does not yet know why some do not get healed, he asked that they continue to press on in faith.
In closing, Pastor Ken urged Riverlifers to receive anew the miracles of Christmas – experience God, receive or lead someone to receive the second birth by believing in Jesus and proclaim the healing and wholeness promised by God.
Discussion Questions
1) As 2015 draws to a close, what does Christmas mean to you this year? [10 min]
2) Since the birth of Christ happened more than 2,000 years ago, how can one experience “Emmanuel, God with us” today? [10 min]
3) Which of the three miracles of Christmas mean the most to you? Why? [10 min]
4) Share one action you might take to make this Christmas special. [10 min]
