Preparing for Christmas

Praise the Lord, Amen…Amen…Amen! – This is how I feel in my heart. I am very excited about this year’s Christmas even though it is going to be celebrated in the new norm. We have entered the Advent Season, a season in which Christians around the world are preparing to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world and at the same time await His Second Coming.   

In preparation for the festive season, we have so far witnessed some exciting promos about our Christmas Celebrations over the past few weeks and this festive mood will continue until it culminates on 25 December. Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, how is your preparation for Christmas this year? Yes, some may have started cleaning the house, decorating the living room and compound, making cakes, buying new clothes in preparation for Christmas celebration.   

However, what is the most important thing about Christmas celebration? In Luke 3:3-6 (KJV) - “He (John the Baptist) went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all people will see God’s salvation."

Introducing Jesus Christ as Savior to those who have not heard of Jesus or believed in the Gospel is the best way to celebrate Christmas. How? There are various innovative ways to convey the message of Christmas.  We can do it either through social media (ZOOM, Facebook & YouTube) or through physical gatherings in the church. It involves church members of all ages in each zone (children, youth, young adults, adults and senior citizens) and in all three language groups (Chinese, English & Bahasa Malaysia). Amid the excitement, the Good News of the birth of Jesus Christ as Savior of the world can also be shared in a variety of interesting ways. Therefore, do not miss this opportunity to tell our family, friends, neighbors and especially our prospects about this Good News.   

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, these preparations certainly involve much time, energy and sacrifice. To ensure success, I would like to invite all of us to undergird all the activities with corporate prayers. First, pray that all the programs will run smoothly, and that God’s name be glorified through it. Second, pray for strength and health for Bishop, pastors, church staff and volunteers who are involved in all the Christmas preparations. Third, pray for good internet connectivity and an uninterruptible power supply during the Christmas events. Fourth, pray for the prospects to make time to come for our Christmas celebrations and ask God to open their hearts to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.   

In closing, may the Joy of Christmas this year remind us of the HOPE we have in Christ that is for all mankind. Amen!

Rev  Alwi Sanji
BM Zone Pastor