DO NOT MISS CHRIST THIS CHRISTMAS!

Dearly Beloved, DO NOT MISS CHRIST THIS CHRISTMAS! “He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God” (John 1:11-13 NKJV). Unarguably, Christmas is the most celebrated season of the year. The aura of the season can be felt already. Many buildings have been decorated in Christmas colours. Jingles of Christmas-related events, sales and the likes have taken over many television and radio broadcast. Some people may say that the origin of the season was pagan. However, even those people agree that the season is now been celebrated to commemorate the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. In spite of this, many people are missing the essence of the celebration today. They are celebrating the season without Jesus Christ. It is interesting to note that most of the people that Jesus Christ came to save in His lifetime missed Him! They were expecting Him, the Messiah, but they could not recognize or accept Him as the Messiah when He came. The powers that be when He was born looked for ways to eliminate Him when they heard about the birth of a newborn King (see Matthew 2). The people that grew up with Him in Nazareth took offence at or refused to believe in Him (see Matthew 13:53-58). Even His own earthly siblings initially did not believe in Him! (see John 7:5). No wonder, the then constituted authorities connived together to kill Him (see Matthew 26:3-4; 27:22-25; Acts 2:22-23). What a pity! These people missed Jesus Christ. They missed the expected Saviour of the world. It is interesting that some people of the Jewish lineage are still expecting the Messiah till date! Nonetheless, the good news in spite of these rejections from His own is that, as many who believe in Him will be given the right to become children of God (John 1:11-13). It is good to celebrate the Christmas. I have started the celebration already. However, do you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ? Are you not too familiar with the Christmas celebration that you have lost the essence of the celebration? Do not miss Jesus Christ this Christmas! Believe in the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and you will be given right to become a child of God, a child “not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God” (John 1:13 NKJV). I wish you a Merry Christmas! In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that you will not miss the essence of Christmas, but really believe in Jesus Christ as you celebrate the season.