Bulletin Article December 2024

Strategicresourcetraining   -   December 10, 2024

by Bruce Billington

Lord Jesus Christ

Isn’t it funny what the end of the year brings? We get a mixture of all sorts of feelings – relief, tiredness, joy and, of course, disappointment if something didn’t work out in 2024. Many families who have lost dear ones during the year or in times past may also get feelings of deep grief at this time of year.

But despite all of this, the advent of Christmas helps us greatly focus on the real reason for what we celebrate this season, or better who. 

Isaiah 9:6-7 – “For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. 7 There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, On the throne of David and over his kingdom, To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness From then on and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this.”

Life can never be the same after God came to earth in the person of Jesus Christ. Nor can it ever be the same again for those of us who have given our lives to Him and opened our hearts to receive His Holy Spirit. It is only then that we completely come into the realm of whom He intended us to be. 

The observance of no other event in history brings a spirit of wonder, generosity, joy, and love, as does the observance of the Incarnation – the coming to earth of the Lord Jesus Christ. Isn’t it amazing that, as a baby He was committed to the care of Joseph and Mary? He humbled Himself to such a degree that He needed two human beings to provide Him with parental care. Almighty God chose to leave His throne behind and come to earth as a vulnerable baby, in the person of Jesus Christ. He put aside His deity (Philippians 2:7-8) and suffered and then died, taking our place on the cross and taking upon Himself the punishment for all of our sins. That is the true “reason for the season.” 

In reality, though, this child is not born to anyone unless each person is born to this child. The Son of God is not ours to enjoy unless we also have been born again and are now a son of God (Romans 8). The birth of Jesus brings about a whole new covenant. In times past God spoke to us through His prophets but now He speaks to us by and through His Son.  He is known to us as Jesus the Saviour, redeeming us by His blood, and by His death, delivering us from sin.

It is interesting to note with the coming of Christ that there were very different responses to Him. Herod the King was greatly troubled, but the wise men rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. So here we find the summary of today’s experience with the Lord Jesus Christ. It falls into two categories meaning He is one of two things. He is either the source of our troubles or He becomes the essence of our supreme joy. 

To us, the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ has brought joy to the world in a way that no human has or ever could do – so much so that a new language had to be invented for the expression of these sacred emotions.

The wonder of Jesus and the Incarnation – the only true reason for Christmas – should bring us to an ever-increasing wonder, worship and praise. He is the greatest gift that could ever be given to humanity. 

God bless you. 
Bruce Billington