Christmas Day has come and gone but the work of Christmas continues. This is one of the best Christmas readings I know that presents the true purpose of Christmas and of Christ’s coming to earth. It is entitled, “The Mission”.
The planning for this mission had begun long ago. Now everything was ready.
‘‘You understand, of course, that this is entirely voluntary,” a deep voice began.
“And that I am their only hope,” he replied.
He looked around him one last time. His home was a place of light and warmth and beauty. He loved it here, but he must go and save them.
They won’t receive you well. In fact, they will consider you a troublemaker. They love their own ways too much to change easily.”
He nodded. “But some are eagerly waiting for me,” he said, smiling.
They approached the chasm and felt a cold draft. It was dark over there – and noisy: shouts of anger, screams of pain, moans of despair.
“They are so far away,” he remarked.
“Because of you, they can be made near,” his father replied.
He stepped across.
For a while it was still and black. Then he saw a feeble light, and it hurt his eyes. He cried – a lonely, wailing sound.
“Mary, you have a fine son, just as the angel said you would,” a man said. And she wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger (Luke 2:7).
God the Son left the splendor and glory of heaven to become a man and to die a horrible death on a cross to pay the penalty for sin that you and I could never pay. He endured the Father’s wrath against sin that you and I could never endure. His body was broken and His precious blood was shed to cleanse every sin and heal every disease.
Are you living the life of Abundance that Jesus purchased at such a great price for you? He declared, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that (you) may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10). Don’t accept anything less than the abundant life that Christ has for you. Live each day in Salvation. Live in Forgiveness. Live each day in Reconciliation – both receiving and passing it on. Live in Faith! Live each day in Victory! Live an Overcoming Life!
Are you ready for your New Season? Let 2024 be your new season, both physically and spiritually. The Lord declares, “I am the Lord; that is my name! I will not yield my glory to another or my praise to idols. See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you” (Isaiah 42:8-9). Let go of the Old and step out in the New! Please invite someone to join you at 10:35am in the building or online for the Live broadcast on either Facebook (Honolulu AG) or our YouTube channel (Honolulu Assembly of God). We livestream every Sunday to both locations.
The “Joy of Belonging” classes for current and new members begin this Sunday, January 7, in the 9:30am Adult Bible Class. If you are interested in, or simply curious about, membership, this series of four classes is for you.
This Sunday is also Un-Deck the Halls. For those who can stay after the service that morning, we will put away all the Christmas decorations and then enjoy a delicious meal together. (Lunch is provided; you do not need to bring anything.)
Please join us for the 1st Drive-Thru Prayer outreach of 2024 this Saturday, January 6, from 11am-1pm.
Hau’oli Makahiki Hou!