Christmas brings us the message of hope, peace, joy and love. They are all seen in the face of the newborn saviour. They are the gifts of God to the world. Christ’s reveal Himself as Prophet, Priest & King to showcase this message. Prophet- He revealed God to us; a God who wants to bestow hope, joy, peace and love on us. Priest- He redeemed people so that they could experience the hope, joy, peace and love of God. King- He reigns over all giving us a hope for the future; and letting us enjoy His joy, peace and love in the present and forevermore.

HOPE

        What was the hope for the ancient Jew? Hope was found in the Lord God. Psalms 33:17-22(NIV) says, “A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save”. But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine. We wait in hope for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. In Him our heart rejoice, for we trust in His holy name. May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you. This hope was to be fulfilled in the Messiah. Mathew 12:17-18,21 (NIV) says, This was to fulfil what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: “Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him and He will proclaim justice to the nations… In His name the nations will put their hope”. What was the hope for the ancient Gentile? There was no pagan god of hope. A fortunate life and a quick (glorious?) death. What is the pe for mankind today? ‘Other men see only a hopeless end, but the Christian rejoices in an endless hope.’ – Gilbert Beenken. What is a Biblical hope? We put our hope in God who promised us by His word to redeem us in Christ. We put our hope in God who raised Jesus to validate His promises in Christ. We put our hope in God who promised us life eternal. We put our hope in God who promised that Christ would return to establish His rule over all creation.1 Peter3:15 says, “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have”. Share the hope.

PEACE

        What is Biblical peace? First, we must have peace with God- restored right relationship; Spiritual peace Next, we find personal peace which will result from understanding ourselves alright before God. Then, we can seek to bring peace in our society by seeking restored relationships and justice. Finally, we can try to find ways to bring peace between nations – political peace. ‘Peace with God brings the peace of God. It is a peace that settles our nerves, fills our minds, floods our spirit, and in the midst of the uproar around us, gives us the assurance that everything is all right.’ – Bob Mumford.

        The Birth of Christ Brought Peace- ‘God takes life’s broken pieces and gives us unbroken peace. Jesus Said, “I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn’t like the peace the world gives. So don’t be troubled or afraid” – John 14:27 (NLT). Peace is still needed today! Share the peace.

JOY

        What is Joy? It is more than just happiness, which is based on circumstances. It is not the absence of struggles; we should have joy despite the pain. It is one of the fruit of the Spirit. It is a deep abiding sense of God’s pleasure, love and care for us; a sense of well being because we are in relationship with god. Psalms 6:11(ESV) joyfully says, “you make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of Joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. ” when they saw the star, they were filled with joy! Mathew 2:10(NLT)”. The surest mark of the Christian is not faith, or even love, but Joy’- Samuel Shoemaker. ‘Joy is the standard that flies on the battlements of the heart when the king is in residence’. – R. Leonard small.

       What is Biblical Joy? God is the source of the believer’s joy. God’s acts on behalf of His people are a cause for joy. Believers can rejoice despite life’s trials because God is their strength, shield and life. Joy comes to us because we are in relationship with our God and saviour.”Joy is not happiness so much as gladness; it is the ecstasy of eternity in a soul that has made peace with God and is ready to do his will”. The Birth of Christ brought Joy. And the Angel said to them. “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people”. Luke 2:10 (ESV). Joy is still needed today! Share the joy!

LOVE

       Christ is the love of God to us: God took the initiative in saving us. God pursues us even as we ignore, malign, hate, forget and disregard Him. God sent the supreme sacrifice for us His son. God’s love is merciful, gracious and extravagant towards wayward sinners. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always preserves” – 1 Corinthians 13:4-7).

       “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Roman 5:8(NIV)”. The birth of Christ brought Love. Love is still needed today! “God showed how much He loved us by sending His only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through Him. This is real love. It is not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. 1 John 4:9-10 (NLT)”. Share the Love.

       Christmas is all about sharing Christ’s HOPE, PEACE, JOY AND LOVE. Enjoy the season with the fourfold blessing of God. The presence and activity of divine love, joy and peace are the signs that we are living the life God intended for us. Merry Christmas.