December 14, 2025
Greetings and blessings to all of you. At Christmas we focus on the baby in the manger. But this was not an ordinary baby. He is the long-awaited Savior of the world-Jesus Christ. He came to offer the gift that keeps on giving… salvation/eternal life. It was foretold in Isaiah 9:6-7 that Jesus “will be called Wonderful Counselor., Mighty God. Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” This is a special baby because in Matt. 1:23 says, “Behold the virgin shall be with child and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which means, God with us.” Who exactly is Jesus? Jesus certainly is a good example for humanity; but if He is not God…...He could not be a Savior. The Bible is clear that He is God. John the Apostle understood Jesus to be the divine Word and said that He had come to earth to dwell with humanity. The most precious possession anyone can receive because of the Divine love our Father offers, is the gift to everyone who will accept it through faith in His Son. Unlike all the earthly presents we accumulate and eventually discard; this gift last forever. Celebrating Christmas is the “good news”. In Luke 2:10 it was announced by the angel, “do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” The angel proclaimed that God would provide a tiny baby lying in a manger to bring immediate happiness, JOY. Sometimes, the emotional high evaporates leaving us numb. However, when we believe and accept and apply the good news that Jesus is our Savior the JOY is lasting and transformative. You might have a divided heart as you read and re-read the Christmas story. Jesus’ story included Jesus’ birth, His life, death, and resurrection. But the world has not changed all that much. Injustice is still here. The Christians are still being martyred for their faith. There is still the starving, and the poor. You have to ask what happened to all the peace on earth good will toward men? God has promised a day of judgement. As we look around, we see atrocities committed on a daily basis. But God does not immediately rain down fire but instead He grieves and offer new life through His Son. With each Christmas- it is a reminder of God’s patience. Recall 2nd Peter 3:9, “the Lord is not slow about His promise as some count slowness but is patient toward you not wanting anyone to perish -but everyone to come to repentance.”
With the Love of Christ
First Lady Vivian C. Currie
Pastor ALC