RELIGION > What The Bible Say Jesus Christ; The Reason For The Season Of Christmas Posted by Rev. Paul Bala Samura on Dec 20, 2007, 02:59

Christmas is fast approaching and the world is making every effort to celebrate it in a grand style. It is the most celebrated single event in the whole human history. It cuts across every culture.  This event can be felt in each home in America, Asia, Africa, Australia and Europe. In fact America started shopping for Christmas after their Annual Thanksgiving on 22^nd November.

On December 8^th Sunday afternoon, I went to Wal-Mart, Walgreens, Circuit City, Best Buy and Sam’s club in Memphis, Tennessee, USA in search of a power cord for my laptop when I saw each store’s packing lot filled with cars. There were hundreds of customers buying Christmas gifts.  Last Monday I went to the United States Postal Services to send the manuscript to my publisher, again I stood in the queue for almost one hour waiting for my turn. The post office was filled with all shades of people (whites, black, coloured, etc) each with a Christmas gift in hand to be sent to beloved ones.  Without exaggeration, United States alone spends over a billion dollars a year on Christmas.  This shows the importance of Christmas.

I know my beloved Sierra Leone is busy in such preparation as well especially with a new government. This is fine. However, let me give a Christmas message so that as we labour to mark this great event, we would have the real essence of it.

The Syrians and Assyrians first ravaged the land of Zebulun and Naphtali, and that region was first favoured by the preaching of Christ. Those that want the gospel, walk in darkness, and in the utmost danger. But when the gospel comes to any place light comes to any soul. Let us earnestly pray that it may shine into our hearts, and make us wise unto salvation. The gospel brings joy with it. Those who would have joy must expect to go through hard work, as the husbandman, before he has the joy of harvest; or like soldier who should fight hard in conflict before he divides the spoil.

The Jews were delivered from the repression of many oppressors; this was a shadow of the believer's deliverance from the repression of Satan. The cleansing of the souls of believers from the power and pollution of sin would be by the influence of the Holy Spirit, as purifying fire. These great things for the church shall be done by the Messiah, Emmanuel. It was certain that the Child is born and the church, before Christ came in the flesh, benefitted by his undertaking. It is a prophecy of him and of his kingdom, which those that waited for the Consolation of Israel read with pleasure. This Child was born for the benefit of us sinners, of all believers, from the beginning to the end of the world. Therefore, he is called Wonderful, for he is both God and man. His love is the wonder of angels and glorified saints.

 He is the Counsellor, for he knew the counsels of God from eternity; and he gives counsel to men, in which he consults our welfare. He is the Wonderful Counsellor; there is none who teaches like him. He is God, the mighty One. Such is the work of the Mediator that no less power than that of the mighty God could bring it to pass. He is God, one with the Father. As the Prince of Peace, he reconciles us to God; he is the Giver of peace in the heart and conscience of men; and when his kingdom is fully established, men shall see no more war. The government shall be upon him because he shall bear its burden. Glorious things are spoken of Christ's government.

There is no end to the increase of its peace, for the happiness of its people shall last for ever. The exact agreement of this prophecy with the doctrine of the New Testament shows that Jewish prophets and Christian teachers had the same view of the person and salvation of the Messiah. The big question critics might ask is “To what earthly king or kingdom can these words apply?”  There is none that fits this description for none has lived a sinless life except Jesus Christ, who is the reason for the season. The Christian prayer is to “Give then, O Lord, to your people to know you by every endearing name, and in every glorious character. Give an increase of grace in every heart of thy redeemed upon earth.

In all your Christmas activities; partying, church services, dances, remember one thing and that is,  Jesus Christ is Almighty, King of Kings and Lord of lords, Prince of peace, Wonderful Counsellor, and Emmauel (God with US).

I wish His Excellency the president, Ernest Bai Koroma, the Government of Sierra Leone and all Sierra Leoneans at home and abroad a Merry Christmas and Prosperous New Year, 2008.

Rev. Paul Bala Samura

Bartlett, TN, USA

901-409-8892