Editor’s note: The Times Herald asked select religious leaders in the area to submit a Christmas message for the Dec. 24 edition. Here are their responses.
Christ is the reason for Christmas
U.S. five-star General Omar Bradley once said, “We, human beings, have grasped the mystery of the atom. But we have refused to listen to Christ’s sermon on the mount.”
Although we have benefited greatly from our scientific and technological progress, we still have not mastered the art of getting along with each other in justice and peace.
Jesus is teaching us, “Treat others as you would like to be treated.” If we all live by this Golden Rule, our world will be a lot better place to live in.
Jesus Christ is nicknamed the Prince of Peace. His message for us is, “Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who mistreat you.”
Isn’t it a beautiful teaching for humanity?
Now it’s time for us to recommit ourselves to the teaching of Jesus Christ. That, I believe, is the meaning of celebrating Christmas.
Mystic Meister Eckhart said, “Unless Jesus is born in our heart, there is no sense celebrating Christmas.”
Let’s make a room in our hearts so that Christ may be born.
Merry Christmas to you all!
— Rev. Jerry Cho, pastor, Oconto Falls United Methodist Church
Turn to God in prayer
Nick Thomas found himself at the age of 47 unemployed and under tremendous financial pressure. Though he had had a successful career in the Air Force and the insurance business, some reversals had set him back and left him with no place to go.
His wife, Liz, made their situation a matter of prayer.
She was in church one morning, praying about their dilemma, when she thought she could almost hear the words, “Make the mustard.” Her family had a mustard recipe from Russia, and every Christmas she made gift jars of mustard for her friends.
Nick and Liz decided to listen to the voice. She prepared a substantial amount of mustard. They packaged it and then called on a local cheese shop. The manager tasted it and immediately bought out their inventory. Within three months they had cracked the highly competitive New York major deli market.
The Thomas’ committed their troubles to prayer and looked expectantly to God for guidance, and He answered! He’s here for you, too.
“…Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” Luke 2:10-11
— Rev. Paul Carlson, lead pastor, Hillside Assembly of God, Gillett
Revisit Christmas to find the Savior
Christmas: the “most wonderful time of the year,” as the lyric goes. The perfect intersection of family, tradition and warm memories. But as the New Year nears, the Christmas euphoria vanishes and many return to the turbulence-filled lives they had.
So before it’s gone, why not revisit Christmas? Revisit the story you’ve sung in carols — that can make a real change in your life.
Remember “A Charlie Brown Christmas”? Linus, in the spotlight, says: “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.”
Linus quoted an angel telling of “good tidings of great joy… for all people.” What good news? “A Savior” came.
A Christmas painting shows the manger scene behind a lamb, in whose eye is the reflection of a cross atop a distant hill. This baby born in Bethlehem is the same Savior who would die on a cross for the sins of the world, be buried and come back to life. Of him, an angel said “He will save his people from their sins.”
We all need sins forgiven. We all need the one who brings comfort. We all need someone to speak “peace” into our storms.
It begins by asking God to forgive your sins, and believing Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is your Savior. It’s the best Christmas gift.
— Rev. Michael Fletcher, pastor, Klondike Community Church
Be absorbed by the birth of Christ
Christmas is about the birth of Christ, our Savior, Redeemer and King of Kings.
The account of his birth takes us to a humble manger in Bethlehem. He humbled himself of all his power and majesty to come in gentleness and care. He came to the poor and was an example to all those who feel entitled, as he came to serve and to give all to the point of death for those he loved.
The announcement of his birth came with the appearance of an angel to some lonely, isolated shepherds. To them was given a great message, the true message of Christmas, Luke 2:12: “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
This announcement was followed by an applause from heaven, announcing perhaps the most spectacular event in history. A multitude of angels appeared praising God, “Glory to God in the highest.”
The shepherds were absorbed by the birth of Jesus. Their absorption with the newborn Christ led them to leave their flocks and to tell all people their story.
My deepest prayer for you would be that you would be absolutely absorbed by the birth of your Savior, like the shepherds who went in haste to find the newborn Christ.
— Rev Kevin L. Kuhn, pastor, Riverview Alliance Church, Oconto Falls
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