https://odb.org/MY/2021/12/24/the-prince-of-peace-2
It’s Christmas Eve! As we prepare for the big day tomorrow, for our presentations or to show our pre-recorded presentations or if we are leading worship or playing an instrument tomorrow or those of us who are preaching on Christmas Day, or just plain attending church whether on site or via Zoom or Facebook live – just take a moment to pause and remember Jesus’s birth and what it means to us.
What is Christmas to us? Gifts and presents under the Christmas tree? My happiest gift was a remote control car I got from my dad in Std Two. It was really cool and quite expensive too! Then we celebrated Christmas as a tradition as we weren’t born again Christians yet. So Christmas was a time to look forward to. It’s the holidays and there will be nice programmes to watch on TV and mum will cook up some nice dishes to eat!
When I became active in church, Christmas almost always involved something to do in church – a play to act in, songs to sing, worship leading etc. December was always a busy month of preparations, practices and carolling. Covid suspended some of those but we now prepare in advance and film and record and then show on Christmas Day!
I think it’s good to do something for God for Christmas in church even if it’s just a small role as a shepherd boy looking at the angel proclaiming the birth of Christ. If we are offered, just grab it and do our part! Everything we and everyone else does will have an impact on those watching, hopefully giving them a better picture of what our Lord did for them by coming to earth and dying for their sins! We like Paul only preach the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ.
As we ponder on Christ, know that He is indeed the Prince of Peace. Only He can give us everlasting peace. We will still struggle with life, its unfairness, its cruelty, life with its uncertainties and unpredictable consequences – yet with Christ in our lives, we are able to go through life with peace, love and joy, with hope and strength! The peace that surpasses all understanding. The love that is steadfast and unconditional. The joy that overflows and abundantly available.
Take a moment to pause and reflect. God has been good to us all this while…. We are forever grateful and eternally thankful for the gift of salvation and the promise of eternal life. The Prince of Peace and the hope of the nations indeed, Christ my Lord and my God! We love you with all my heart, soul and might. You are our King of Glory! Amen!
Ronnie's Thoughts 