GREAT IS THE MYSTERY Great, indeed, is the mystery of godliness. God became "flesh, and dwelt among us" (John 1:1,14), thereby opening the way for sinful man to be reconciled to an all- holy God.   The birth of Jesus Christ may provide only sentimental imagery and religious ceremony for multitudes, but for the one who has trusted Christ as Saviour, the incarnation of the Lord of Glory takes on immeasurable meaning.   The commer- cialism and pagan folklore which charac- terize the Christmas season must never deter the child of God from being thankful for and boldly proclaiming the significance of Christ's coming to a lost and dying world. 1 Timothy 3:16 succinctly states the true message to be heralded far and wide:

"God Was Manifest in the Flesh" The Person of Christ is of central importance. He is no less than absolute deity since taking on the form of flesh through the virgin Birth than before. Only the sinless Son of God could offer Himself as the perfect, sacrificial substitute to bear the eternal judgment due the sinner.   The Son of God came to die so that we, through faith in the power of His shed blood, might live! "Justified in the Spirit" All that Christ did in His earthly ministry was performed by the power of the Holy Spirit.   The Spirit was given unto Him without limit (John 3:34).   Every action, miracle, word, desire and thought were in perfect agreement with His Father's will.   Subsequent generations of believ- ers would learn by His example the importance of the indwelling Spirit's ministry. "Seen of Angels" The birth of the Lord Jesus Christ was a won- derful and marvellous event to the angels.   Their Creator was coming to dwell among them.   The joyous exaltation of the angelic host at His birth

and their deep interest in all things pertaining to His earthly ministry reveal an attitude we would do well to emulate (Luke 2:7-14).   All glory and praise are due the Son! "Preached Unto the Gentiles" Much of the Scripture dealing with the first advent of Christ has to do with promises made to Israel that will be fulfilled when He returns to set up His millennial kingdom.   But we thank God for the glorious Gospel of salvation by grace through faith offered to Jew and Gentile alike NOW!   Because Jesus Christ came, "who- soever will" may come and partake of the water of life freely (Revelation 22:17). "Believed on in the World" This is a crucial point of the message.   Not all who "celebrate Christmas" are at peace with God.   Only those who have received by faith the Biblical testimony of Christ's eternal Person and His perfect and finished Work on Calvary's cross, and have believed on Him for their salva- tion, can rightfully call God their Heavenly Father and claim the promise of everlasting life.

"Received Up into Glory" The bodily resurrection and ascension of the Lord into Heaven was a public acknowledg- ment of the Father's acceptance of the work Christ had wrought on behalf of sinful man. And not only does this speak of a living Saviour, it also reminds us of our Lord's present, High Priestly ministry at the right hand of the Father where "he ever liveth to make intercession" for the child of God (Hebrews 7:25). Those who know Christ as Saviour and Lord gladly rejoice in so great a salvation!   Not saved? Trust Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour before it's too late; [repent &] receive Him now, and YOU will have eternal salvation!   John 1:12; 3:16,36; 5:24; 6:37. -- "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:" (John 1:12). "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."   (John 3:16) "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him."   (John 3:36) "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life."   (John 5:24) "All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out."   (John 6:37) F. E. A.

[ Christian Helps Ministry (USA) ] [ Christian Home Bible Course ]