6 Observations from Kuching Christmas Parade 2018 (and Why You Should Come Next Year)

Trinity Methodist Church (TMC) Kuching is a missional church. I had attended TMC for about 2 years and then moved to the local Anglican Church. I was involved in the TMC Mission Ministry for one year as part of the committees. I’ve witnessed the church's genuine passion for Christ and desire for others to know Him as Lord and Saviour. TMC's Mission is “Being and Making Disciple for Christ” and the leaders led by Rev Dr. Lau Hui Ming (a very humble man) make sure that their members – the church – grasp the vision and mission in their lives. They put their money (and prayer) where their mouth is. The church grows because the church goes. So, no wonder TMC has been organizing the Kuching Christmas Parade since 2007 because it aligns with its mission statement.

This year, the theme is Good News of Great Joy. It was expected more than 7,000 participants before the event, but it turned out to be more than 10,000 Christians from almost all the main churches in Kuching on the actual day. There were children and adults, church leaders and elders, youths and students, uniformed bands, decorated cars and Christmas trees. The 4-5km parade started from MBKS Jubilees ground to Kuching waterfront and back to the Jubilees ground. Malay Mail (8^th Dec 2019) online news reported that the participating churches were the Roman Catholic Church, Anglican Church, Methodist Church SCAC, Methodist Church SIAC, BEM (SIB) Church, Seventh Day Adventist Church, Salvation Army, Sarawak Baptist Church, Blessed Church, Sarawak Grace Assembly Kuching, Hope Church Kuching, Calvary Family Church, Good News Fellowship, City Harvest Church, and Fellowship of Evangelical Students (FES). I joined under the banner of FES, a student ministry, which consisted of students from local campuses and universities such as UiTM, UNIMAS, TCS, SIDMA/UNITAR, I-System, etc. To use Nicholas Spark’s classic romance novel, the parade was “a walk to remember.”

The picture was taken from Herald Malaysia (http://www.heraldmalaysia.com/news/some-10000-christians-take-part-in-kuching-christmas-parade/33776/1)

There are Six (6) Things that I observed during the parade that I want to share with you here:

#1 It Didn’t Rain. 2 hours before the parade, the weather was cloudy. When I took a picture at 4.04 pm, I thought it was going to rain and the event would be canceled. But the people who were practicing that day seemed to be ignoring the weather and proceeding with the program as if nothing bad going to happen. Either they were ignored or they had faith in God for good weather (or both), what was sure was that people were praying all day long. I was told that a group of intercessory prayer was praying for the event since morning until the end of the parade [To the point of contrast, the anti-ICERD rally at Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur, ends early today due to rain. Coincident?].

#2 There Was No Wind. I noticed during praise and worship and prayers when most people bowed down and prayed, I looked up and was puzzled by the strangeness of the weather. The tree leaves don’t move at all. No wind. So how come the cloudy weather suddenly becomes clear? Strange. Usually, if the weather is cloudy and there is no wind, then most probably (90%) it’s going to rain. But during the parade, there is no rain at all, only drizzle after that. Miracle.

#3 The Most Smiling Faces of the Year. Pastor Nicholas Ningkau of the Sarawak Grace Assembly Church of Kuching said to the Malay Mail reporter, “When Christians take part in the parade, it has always been peaceful as we sing Christmas songs.” Imagine about 10,000 participants filled with Christian joy of celebrating the birth of the Saviour, met with about 5,000 plus excited people who stood on the sidewalk to witness the parade (including those in the cars), there was no doubt about the joy that we experienced together. I’ve never seen the most smiling faces in Malaysia any other month of the year except on Christmas (probably I'm biased).

#4 A Cloud of Witnesses. Cloudy weather? No more. A cloud of witnesses? Yes! Everyone knows that there are lots of Christian denominations in Sarawak. So much so that even some Christians are confused. Thus, the Christmas parade is one of the biggest opportunities for us to show that although we are different – we are one. Also, the Christmas parade is the largest gathering of Christians in Kuching (on the same day, there was also a Christmas parade in Miri and Bintulu). Not only had we witnessed churches coming together as one body of Christ, but we also represented Christians from multi-ethnic and racial backgrounds. This reminds me of Jesus’ prayer for us in John 17:21, “that all of them may be one” so that “the world may believe that [the Father] has sent me.”

#5 Kids, Kids, Kids. One of the best parts of the Christmas parade is the kid's joyful heart. If you joined the parade you’ll know what I mean. If not, I hope you join next year. For the sake of these kids, join the parade! They love to see us. They enjoy joyful celebrations. They expect gifts from us. Even if some of the kids might not get any presents or candies, your smile, handshake, and hi-five are enough for them (although there were kids who solely came with one overarching purpose – to collect gifts only). If we can instill in the children’s minds that Christmas is a season of celebration, giving, and sharing, then we already teach them the most important values in life.

#6 Sarawak Is Like No Other. You heard this so much that it might sound like a cliché but it’s true. Sarawak is a place where people of various races are (almost totally) free to practice their culture, tradition, and religion without hindrance. “For Sarawakians,” said Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg, “diversity is beauty and strength, and not division.” I agree! During the parade, a group of Malay Muslims wished us “Merry Christmas!” and we did not end up with a religious debate. Instead, we greeted one another in perfect harmony and peace-loving humanity. A group of Buddhist society (I assumed because they were wearing the same uniform) joined the parade and passed along biscuits for us to give to others. It wasn’t much but it shows that we are all in this together. Jason Mraz puts it beautifully: “The question is why, why are we here? To say our hello's and goodbye's and then disappear; This beautiful life, what is it for? To learn how to master peace or master war… Love is still the answer.” And Sarawak is like no other (it rhymes).

Next Year's Christmas Parade. Don’t miss it. Join.

You Will Be Blessed and Bringing Blessing to Others. This is Christmas.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

PS: I don't like big events. Crowd drains my energy, personal time empowers me. But the Christmas Parade is different. It is churches coming together. It is an open invitation. It is a Church with no walls! Worship in buildings is comfortable, but worship in the open space is freedom. Christ's birth was announced to sinners, His death was a public execution, and He rose again and was taken up to heaven... all in public. This is not a secret society or buildings religion... this is Christianity, followers of the living Christ!

The Simplicity of God's Salvation and the Message of Christmas (End)

“And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:7NKJV)

When Mary and Joseph arrived at the tiny village of Bethlehem, approximately 6 miles south of Jerusalem, they couldn’t find a place to stay overnight. Some Bible translations call it an ‘inn’ but it probably wasn’t a typical hotel. John Wesley comments, “Perhaps it might rather be translated in the stall. They were lodged in the ox stall, fitted up on occasion of the great concourse, for poor guests.” For poor guests, he writes, how pity it was. Other Bible experts guess that the place where Joseph’s family stayed was a guest room in a private home, or perhaps a caravansary. 

Stephen M. Miller in The Jesus of the Bible further suggests, “Joseph and Mary ended up spending the night in a shelter for livestock. Christian writers in the AD 100s said the shelter was a cave. The hills around Bethlehem are laced with caves where animals take shelter in bad weather. Some poor people today still make their homes in these caves.”

It was cold night, tummy hurt, long journey, tired, weary, and worn… lodged in the ox stall… for poor guests… a guest room… a caravansary… shelter for livestock… a cave… where animals take shelter… home for poor people… wherever it was. The King of Kings and the Savior of the World, the Anointed One, the Son of God, the Creator was born ‘in a manger’. With that knowledge in mind, Christians ought to be humble and in owe by the simplicity of God’s Salvation. He comes to be the Savior even to the poorest of the poor. We, sinners are among ‘the poor’, ya know.
Simplicity of God’s Salvation, that’s the message of Christmas!

The words, ‘there was no room for them in the inn’ sparked my imagination on the couple’s situations. It must be stressful for them, especially for Joseph, when they arrived in Bethlehem and found no rooms available. I can almost hear Joseph knocking every proper warm-hostel doors desperately, pleading with the manager of the inn for a place where Mary could give birth to her child. Knock! Knock! Knock! “No vacancy! Go away!”; “Get out!”; “I’m sorry… no room”… Could it be in the midst of merry Christmas, blast sound, colorful dresses, party gathering, firecrackers and pile of beers, you had keep Christ out of your lives? NO ROOM for Jesus? NO VACANCY on the door post of your heart? 

Hey, have you any room for Jesus? I hope you have one especially for Him. I hope as Christmas is closer, you may open your heart to receive Him in your life. I hope you’re ready, even now…
yes, ready a ‘room’ for Jesus, that’s the message of Christmas!

“I’m Sorry, I Have No Room”
by Ann Farrell Blunt

The star seemed to shine that first Christmas night

as they never have shone before,

and as Jesus came into the world for us,

they seemed to shine even more.

Shepherds strayed to the manger scene,

worshiping as they came.

Three wise men were led from the Orient far,

searching to do the same.

It wasn’t exactly the place for a King;

why, it wasn’t even the inn!

No, out on a barn, in manger poor,

He was born, to take away sin.

The innkeeper had no room that night;

I wonder, how about you?

If Jesus asked for a place in your heart,

what do you think you would do?

For you know some day when life has passed

and you stand at the door of the inn,

The Lord may look at you sadly there

and you’ll hear these words from Him:

“I have no room, I’m sorry, my friend;

I’m truly sorry to say.

“I have no room,” He’ll tell you once more,

then turn and send you away.

THINK BIG The simplicity of God’s Salvation – He come for  ‘poor’ sinners like you and me. START SMALL Get ready a ‘room’ for Jesus in your heart. GO DEEP God is a loving God; He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to save us from the punishment of sins. But God is also a Righteous God; He will/must punish sinners for their act of rebellious and unbelief.
That could be us... if not for the Blood Shed on the Cross.
So, is there room in your life for Christ? Your “I have no room” maybe the exact words Jesus will use as you stand at the ‘door of the inn’ after your life had passed.
Knock! Knock! Knock!
Eternal Life or Eternal Damnation?  Your call…

I think that’s the crucial message of Christmas!

With Love,

Richard

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

"The Visit of the Magi' (Matthew 2:1,2) and the Message of Christmas

Dear readers,

For the last 2 days, while mother and I painting the house, and while enjoying my uncle’s Christmas songs (for which he loves to vibrate his Christmas songs in full volume); my mind often ‘struck’ by the event of the Magi (Wise Men) who went visits Jerusalem to worship baby Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew. Here are my short observations upon reflection on ‘The Visit of the Magi’…

“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod,
Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked,
“Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?
We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.” (Matthew 2:1-2NIV)

‘Magi’ traditionally thought as ‘Wise Men’. In the New Testament times, the term ‘Magi’ (magoi) loosely covered a wide variety of men interested in dreams, astrology, books thought to contain mysterious references to the future, and the like. They probably, I suspect are stargazers, astrologers ‘from the east’ which some commentators suggest were from Persia or southern Arabia. They were Gentiles; which simply mean non-Jew and they come ‘to worship’ Jesus ‘the king of the Jews’. It funny, when I thought on these verses because the first worshipers, the hunger for the truth, the not-satisfy-only-hearing about the Anointed One, Jesus Christ would settle, but went beyond that by seeking after Him even from afar. They wanted to see Him with their own eyes. It amazed me because they were the foreigners not the Jews! Oh, since the beginning of time, it is God’s desire to bring us to Himself through His Son, Jesus, regardless of our nationality, races and languages – He want to reveal Himself to those who honestly seek after Him.
That’s the message of Christmas!

Somehow God in His Sovereignty used the Magi’s calculations (I suspect that they may had read the Old Testaments) that lead them to the 'star’ (I forbid Christians to practice astrology, but here I just want to emphasis that God can used anyone or anything for His Righteous purposes) to show that whoever honestly looking for Him, will find! Formal knowledge of the Scriptures does not in itself lead us to knowing who Jesus is. Knowing about the Savior only doesn’t save your soul. Seeing ‘star’ is not equal to seeing Jesus… all these ‘signs’ are pointing out to a Person – Jesus Christ.
That’s the message of Christmas!

Oh this is one of WOW verse… Do you realize that they didn’t say, “Where is the one who born TO BECOME king of the Jews” but “Where is the one who HAS BEEN born king of the Jews”??? They seems to indicate that infant Jesus was king even before John the Baptist testified concerning Jesus “He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me” (John 1: 15) and even before the Father Himself publicly declared, “This is my son in whom I am well please.” (Matthew 3:17) God had revealed this revelation to them about Jesus’ Kingly status… Oh, God is ready to reveal Himself if only we seek after Him!
That’s the message of Christmas!

This Christmas, as you contemplate on the birth of Jesus Christ, as you look at the Father’s Gift for us thoughtfully and as you think about the mystery of Divine baby that was conceived by the Holy Spirit – I pray that you may become like ‘Magi’; though they may come from far away as you might think that you’re at this moment are far from the Kingdom of God because of your sins; though they just the foreigners as you’re foreign to this God of the Bible; though they only saw ‘star’ as you only have little knowledge about Jesus – come my brothers and sisters…
Come and see, who is this Man that the Angels sang about.
Come and see, who is this God that the shepherds bowed their head in adoration. Come and see, who is this God-Man that comes as the Savior of the World.

As you come, you’ll be guided. As you see, you’ll be amazed. Yes – His Birth on the mangers, His life as the perfect Image of God  and His death on the Cross you’ll see!

Ah, may we seek and “come to worship him”… that’s the message of Christmas!

With Love,

Richard

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

The Identity of Christ and the Message of Christmas

Dear readers, 

Of all the births this Bethlehem birth was the most unique. The coming of Christ into the world is the grand central event of history. This I believe. God manifests Himself in nature and history; God clothing Himself with the human. A superhuman life demands a superhuman birth. This I believe.

My not-yet-Christian friend asked me a question one day. “Please don’t be offended ya,” he politely requested and I know he meant it well, “Richard, can you comprehend how Jesus Christ can be both God and man?”

“No, I cannot understand”, I paused. “I even can’t really explain to you right now my friend. If I can explain how God can be man, God could be no greater than me. Let me put it this way, if Jesus is God and never was a man, then my relationship with God doesn’t change; I still live under the curse of sins and God is still untouchable, separate God of the Universe – I can’t really identify with Him. But if Jesus is Man and not God, then my sins are still with me because men are unable to save themselves – only God can.”

He scratched his head; dandruff falls out. My hand touched my mouth; a bit too much, I guess. I don’t know what he gonna do about it. It’s not my intention to convert him into Christianity; let the Holy Spirit do the job. But it was my intention to tell him about the deity and the humanity of Christ... since he asked. [His religion trained him not to ask questions, I’m glad he thinking outside the box.]

The Deity and the Humanity of Christ – that’s the message of Christmas!

It was back then, right? How about now? What probably my answer? So you ask, “Richard, can you comprehend how Jesus Christ can be both God and man?”

I’ll say, “No, but I understand some of it right now”.

“And what is that?” you probably replied.

“Well… It was necessary that God, the infinite Being to communicate His love and righteousness by reveal Himself through the infinite like you and me. He must stand within the limit of our faculties before we can grasp Him. But it was not only necessary for God to reveal Himself through the finite, but also through the familiarity.”

“Suns, moons, stars, seas or mountains, might be greater than man but you see – the physical nature (the material) cannot be fully reveals the Greatness of God.”

“Then, how about books?” you might asked. “Isn’t most of religions in the world today claim that their sacred books are the best God’s revealers?”

I tell you, “Words, whether spoken or written, constantly change in value and meaning. Sacred books mean nothing if god(s) or men that were written about don’t really revealed themselves. But in the Bible, God revealed Himself to Moses and the prophets. He revealed Himself to Paul and the apostles. That’s the unique and may I confess – the supremacy of God’s authenticity in His revelations to humankind. He first revealed Himself, and then words were written. ‘The Word became flesh, and dwelt among us.’ (John 1:14ISV)”

God reveal Himself – that’s the message of Christmas!

“Jesus Christ has come in the flesh” (1 John 4:2) and “Jesus is the Son of God” (1 John 4:15) is it amazing?!! But wait until you learned why He comes to the world. C.S. Lewis writes, ‘The Son of God becomes the son of Man so that sons of men may become sons of God’. The purpose of the Incarnation was to convert the slaves of sin into the sons of God (refer Romans 8:3, 4). That’s the message of Christmas!

With Love,

Richard

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Adriana's Birthday and the Message of Christmas

Dear readers,

Last week my uncle invited us to celebrate his granddaughter’s birthday. Cute Adriana is 2 years old this year. Dozens of family members were invited to celebrate this wonderful day. Uncle, especially, was so excited that he informed me 3 days before the event. By 7pm, most of my closest family members arrived. Sound of kids pierced through the silent of the night. Conversation was so intense like they never met one another for 100 years. I was bombarded with light and heavy questions from personal matters to global issues. In one moment, I thought I was under trail in court.

After a brief prayer and blowing candles, we all enjoy the rest of the evening with delicious foods and cordial drink. Beers were served. Chatting was on the air. By this time, everyone knows who’s who in the family. Happy face on displayed. Satisfied tummy is sure… but we forget… I forget about Adriana. I forget that this is hers’ birthday. I mean, I lost the main objective of the event (I don't even shake her hand). We were so wrapped up in what this party has to offer; mouth-watery food, warm house and great hospitality that we miss the present of to whom the day was offer: Adriana. The very object of that day’s celebration had been forgotten, neglected, and nearly smothered. Similarly, many people overlook the main point of Christmas – celebrating the birth of Christ. That’s the message of Christmas!

I’m aware that Jesus didn’t really born on this particular date, I know that Christmas may have some sort of pagan religion celebration and I’m conscious that Greek mythology may inspired this event of the year. But for Christians, well-informed and mature Christians who know the TRUTH and well aware of the danger of celebrating Jesus’ Birth on specific date – know that Christmas is only a matter of time for us to honor His Birth. It’s a time for us to remember, to ponder, to meditate, to appreciate His Love for us. It’s true when someone say that we should celebrate His Birth everyday (Honestly, how many of us really done that?) but to intentionally celebrate together, every Christians around the world, all part of the globe focus their mind on Christ – the Wonderful and Mystery love of God; “The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us” (John 1:14) is what matter most! That’s the message of Christmas!

As I looked at young Adriana, I thought, she is born to bring joy to his parents. Everyone around her, especially my uncle, of course, loves her very much. She’s a precious jewel in her mother’s eyes and tattoo of thankfulness on her father’s chest. Her birthday was a remembrance of the goodness of God. But that’s all I can say, she’s yet to grow in age…

Jesus was similar and different from her. He was similar. Born of a woman; clothed as an infant. He brings joy to Mary and Joseph. Angels sing heavenly songs at this Precious Jewel of the universe, shepherds praising God in thanksgiving. But He was different. He was God in human form. He was the Creator of the universe. “The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us” His incarnation make us closer to God. Unlike Adriana; Jesus was born to die. This divine baby grew into a perfect man who willingly died for your sins and mine (including Adriana) Yes, He was born at the manger but died at the cross. That’s the message of Christmas!

When we look beyond the manger

To the cross of Calvary,

 We will know the reason Christmas

Brings such joy to you and me. (D. De Haan)

That’s the message of Christmas! 

With Love,

Richard

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Television News and the Message of Christmas

Dear readers,

“No Jesus, No peace; Know Jesus, Know peace.” (Unknown)

Watching news doesn’t usually bring peace. I turned ON the TV one time just to a get fast news on football score between Chelsea versus Valencia, but to hear them I had to went through dozen of updates on worldwide miseries. And I feel the trauma, the heartbreak, and the headache. Two teens killed themselves, heavy rain caused flood and hundreds of people left homeless, father rape his own daughter, jobless grandson steal his grandmother’s saving, politicians sued for bride case etc.

We faced fear and scary news all the time. Children, youngsters, adults and even old-timers are exposes with bitter-pills of news every day. We absorb it like sponge every hour. We drink it like coffee (Okay some of you might prefer tea). Turn ON the television, you’ll get it! Flip newspaper, you’ll get it! Surf the Internet, ya sure, you’ll definitely get it! We all face the scary tomorrow.

But God have a solution, a plan way before the world begin: “The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us” (John 1:14) In the midst of ciaos – God sent His Son, Jesus Christ into the world to bring the Good News of salvation to all mankind. His Good News supersedes our fallen news with peace. He replaces fear to hope, darkness to light, chain to freedom. That’s the message of Christmas!

Understand, watching the news doesn’t bring peace; only God alone can bring you peace. Meditate on His love will bring you peace. Read and study His Word will bring you peace. Praying will bring you peace. Oh, setting your mind on things above will bring you peace. That’s the message of Christmas! 

God make Himself available for us so that while still living here on earth we can face the difficult news of these difficult days with His Good News. That’s the message of Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

With Love,

Richard

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

A Swarm of Ants and The Message of Christmas

Dear readers,

I was a naughty boy. I believe I was since my mother confirmed it. My friends also were naughty boy. You ought to believe me since I witnessed it. Home was our hotel. We came only for meals and sleep, other than that outside was our true ‘home’. Before the existence of video games (video games was unknown during our early childhood), we use to played in the jungle, create games and making toys. One of the deadliest pass time activities was torturing a swarm of ants with drops of hot-fire-melted-plastic-bags-balls. It was so cruel and cool. Children verses insects; handicap match. Winner is confirmed!

Years after that, we stopped playing this game. “Too hazardous”, mom said. (Translate: You waste my plastic bags!) I on personal level thought it would be appropriate to say sorry to them, I mean, to ants. So I whispered, “Ants, I’m sorry for what I’ve done [pause] I hope you understand.” If you think that talking to swarm of ants is weird, hoping that they would understand would be weirder. But the weirdest thing ever is this: in my childish mind, I thought that I could ever have a communication with ants. I didn’t say that I was stupid since I was a kid, but I say it is weird because I’m trying to do the unthinkable. Plus, at one time – I try to teach them how to avoid the ‘fire-ball’!

Richard, what is your point? You might ask. Either you ask or not, since you already read this article thus far, I would like to lay out my point anyway. Here it is,

It is impossible for a human being to communicate, to be intimate in emotional level and to teach an ant. To convey my thoughts and all of the above, I would have to become an ant – that’s the only way [as far as I can think of logically]. That is it exactly; [even beyond human logic] the God of the Universe, infinitely high as He is above us in His being and in His thoughts, had to become a man to teach man to know Him, and to know His thoughts. In order for us to understand God, it is necessary that He come down to our level and reveal Himself. That’s the message of Christmas!

About the birth of Jesus Christ, John Chrysostom comment, “What shall I say! And how shall I describe this birth to you? For this wonder fills me with astonishment. The Ancient of Days has become an infant. He who sits upon the sublime and heavenly throne, now cannot be touched, who is simple, without complexity, and incorporeal, now lies subject to the hands of men. He, who has broken the bonds of sinners, is now bound by an infant’s bands. But He has decreed that ignominy shall become honor, infamy be clothed with glory, and total humiliation to be measure of His goodness.” That’s the message of Christmas!

“The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us” (John 1:14) writes by human author about the Son of God, Jesus Christ, inspired by the Holy Spirit edited by God the Father. Isn’t that wonderful? That ‘the Son of God became the Son of Man so that sons of men may become sons of God.’ (C.S. Lewis) That’s the message of Christmas! 

Merry Christmas!

With Love,

Richard

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Your Deepest Need and The Message of Christmas

Dear readers,

The message of Christmas affects each of us in different ways at different times, for it deeply concerns our whole humanity. It never loses its power. Men and women whose hearts are untouched by other great facts of Divine revelation, those who might not get a chance to hear the story of Nativity might find that Christmas is their only encounter with the message. Well, some of my less-educated men and women in my village (especially the old-timers) and children that didn’t go to Sunday school (like I was) – feel strangely thrilled as their ears catch the angels’ tidings of the birth of the Virgin’s Son.

Christmas appeals to touch our deep longing of humanity; it meets man’s deepest needs – though some I believe try to prove the Bible wrong; “It’s a myth”; “It’s a fake story”; “It never happen”, but they can’t comprehend their amazement about the Message. Some doubt, yes, some deny, yes, some in disbelief, yes. Yet for those who are willing to consider this great act of God; the Incarnation which is simply mean, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (John 1:14) could never hide their inner joy.

This is our deepest need: a personal relationship with the Almighty God.

This is our mortal incapability: reaching Heaven where God dwells.

This is our downgrade handicaps: we can’t do anything about it.

So, God comes down for us. He came near. He was ‘made Flesh and dwelt among us’.

Surely, as we consider the message of Christmas and realize all that that means, we find in it not only a gospel of infinite joy but also the greatest love story ever happened throughout humanity where God in all His Holiness touch dirty sinner’s hearts like you and me. We want nothing to do with God, but God wants everything to do with us. We run away, He comes near. We long for His gift but He gives Himself to us; “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.”

Jesus was born in Bethlehem. He was laid in a manger. He became flesh. The Incarnation has brought a new way to apprehend God. We are not able to see God in His essence with our normal human sight, thus, Jesus became flesh and made Himself dwelt among men.

In this Christmas message – a child was born; God came near. This year, Christmas might not be the same for you if you come to Him in faith and repentance. Your deepest need will meet His greatest Gift of All: Himself. Hey, God came near. Emmanuel! 

With Love,

Richard

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.