Christmas Greetings to You

By Dr. James Yu

Merry Christmas!

Let us reflect once more on what this greeting truly means.

More than two thousand years ago, a child was born into this world, and we congratulate you on receiving this blessing.

In the cities, department stores are filled with beautiful goods. During festive seasons, these are often lavishly packaged and sold at special prices.

But have you ever thought about what makes a Christmas gift different? We are not speaking of material differences, but of meaning.

First, to whom is the gift given? Second, is it truly suitable for the one who receives it?

Before talking about the gift itself, let us look at the Good News – it was a birth announcement not merely for a child, but one foretold more than seven hundred years before it happened. The prophet Isaiah declared: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

Countless babies have been born into this world, but only this one was born for us!

People live for themselves, perhaps adding that they live “to bring honour to their ancestors.” Yet this Child came not for Himself, but for the good of others. Can such a thing be real?

Throughout history, many have claimed to “love their country and the people” but rarely has that love included you personally. Worse still, once they gain power, they forget everyone and live only for their own interests. But the rule of the Lord is different. It is not one of control and trampling people underfoot. It is one of service, bearing the needs of others upon His shoulders.

Wonderful, because He was not born of human lineage, but conceived by the Holy Spirit.

Counsellor, for He is not merely one with wisdom to give advice, but the very embodiment of our wisdom.

The Mighty God, for He is God, who became flesh and dwelt among us; the Creator of the universe who still reigns over all.

The Everlasting Father, as the poet said, “The child is the father of the man”. From our growing up to turning old, the Lord never leaves us as orphans. He is the eternal Father who cares for our needs throughout life and never becomes old Himself.

The Prince of Peace, because earthly rulers conquer and expand their empires by war, but the Lord’s kingdom has no limits, His reign is everlasting, and His peace eternal.

After a long silence came that radiant Christmas night: “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks by night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom His favour rests.’” (Luke 2:8–14)

The glory of the Lord shone around the shepherds. The shadows vanished, and they were surrounded by pure light and joy.

Any Good News means nothing unless it is personally related to you, but the angel said, “It is Good News for all people”, and that includes you!

Why?

Because “today a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord.” You must know, and it is vital to know, that you need to be saved.

The Bible says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)

No one can meet God’s perfect standard. However proud or powerful we may seem, guilt remains within the heart, and judgment awaits after death, leading to separation from God and His glory and falling into eternal ruin without hope. Yet the God of love does not wish anyone to perish: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

The brilliance of Christmas is not in the light shows, decorations, or the celebration of “Silent Night.” It is that there are no more darkness and sorrow for Christ Jesus came into the world, shed His blood on the cross to redeem us, bore our sins in our place, and on the third day rose again from the grave. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God. Through faith in Him, our sins are forgiven, and we are declared righteous before God. Through Him we are reconciled to God, brought into His household, and ushered into everlasting light where we will share in unending joy. Hallelujah! Amen.