“And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace.”

                                                                                                                                    John 1:16

Dearly beloved in Christ,

I greet you in the sweet name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The month December cheers the hearts of many people. In Christian homes all over the world, the air is filled with the songs of the birth of Christ, and festive decorations adorn houses and churches. History records the fact of the birth of Christ, His sufferings on the cross for us and His death, and His resurrection too. His birth has divided historical recordings into those before Christ (BC) and those after Christ (AD). His birth and life are thus validated by history.

The purpose of His birth is the design of the love of the Father God that we should not perish but inherit eternal life. Because He came to this earth, we enjoy so many blessings and good things. Through His fullness we have grace upon grace. In Him we have fullness or abundance of joy and goodness.

WHY JESUS CHRIST CAME TO THIS EARTH?

1. To Give Us Fullness of Life

“... I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10

The life of man ends in different ways, and no one attaches any importance to him. “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. . .” The Satan is left with only a little time and therefore he works with a vengeance. In this situation, the Lord God sent His Son Jesus Christ for us all to offer Himself as a sacrifice for our sins. Because of the loving sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we could have eternal life. When we believe this, we are saved from sufferings and gnawing of teeth that characterize hell, and we are blessed with long life on this earth. In Acts 17:26, it is said that everything about a man’s life – the place of birth, the nation and his days – are already decided by the Lord beforehand. The birth of Christ is to make us have eternal life and to live life abundantly on this earth. This is possible when we believe this truth.

2. To Give Us Perfect Peace

“Behold, I will bring it health and healing; I will heal them and reveal to them the abundance of peace and truth.” Jeremiah 33:6

The Bible makes it clear that Jesus Christ came to fulfil the prophecy of Isaiah: “He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses.” (Matt. 8:17). He bore all our sicknesses and afflictions in His sufferings on the cross. “. . . God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.” (Acts 10:38). He “Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.” (1 Peter 2:24). The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. “He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.” (Psalm 107:20). He gives us true peace by healing us with His word and saving us from eternal destruction. He gives us peace that cannot be taken away or hampered by anyone. The Prince of Peace through His acts of love and might makes us have this true peace.

3. To Give Us Perfect Blessings

“A faithful man will abound with blessings...”
Proverbs 28:20

Jesus Christ searches the hearts of people to know us. Psalm 145:18 says, “The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth.” Yes, He wants to hear your prayers and help you. He will do a miracle in your life. On the contrary, Satan is a liar and the father of lies. His deceitful words are lies. He lied to Eve saying that they would not die, as they were told, on the day they ate the fruit of the forbidden tree (Gen. 3:4). It was his intention to make them sin by trespassing the command of the Lord. So, he spoke words enticing them and kindled in them the desire to make them sin. The Lord tests our faithfulness in Him. If we are truly loyal and faithful to Him, He will bless us. Jesus asked: “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season?” (Matt. 24:45). He said, “But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.” (Matt. 5:37). Jesus Christ blesses anyone who seeks Him truly and remains faithful to Him.

4. To Give Us Abundant Joy

“that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality.” 2 Corinthians 8:2

In the presence of the Lord there is true joy in full measure. The Bible teaches us to rejoice at all times. This is possible through Jesus Christ. We have joy in our personal, family, and social lives. In Matthew 2:10 we read, “When they (the wise men) saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.” Today the star is used as a mark of the fact that Christ is born in houses of Christians. They celebrate the birth of Christ and express their joy through stars. About the birth of Jesus, the angel said to the shepherds, “ Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11).

There is joy in His word. As we receive His word, there is joy (Matt. 13:10). In Matt. 25:21 we read, “His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ At His resurrection, the women who went to the tomb “went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word.” (Matt. 28:8). As the joy of salvation through the resurrected power of the Lord and the joy of the gifts of the Spirit abound in us, we are truly blessed. Let us commit to have with us always the “joy of the Holy Spirit” (1 Thes. 1:6). Let us thus have abundance of joy in our lives.

Thus through His fullness, we have grace upon grace. This we have through Jesus Christ in an abundant measure. In 2 Samuel 7:15, the Lord promises Nathan about David: “But My mercy shall not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I removed from before you.” We are also promised the sure mercies of David (Isaiah 55:3) through Jesus Christ. John 1:14 says, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”

II BLESSINGS OF GRACE

1. Not Consumed

“Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not.” Lamentation 3:22

His grace is the mercy shown to the undeserving. Only because of that we are not consumed. It is the design of Satan that we should perish. But the Lord God who is rich in mercy favours us to be preserved in all disastrous situations. This is His steadfast love. In so many accidents that happened we have been saved through this steadfast love. In travels and in critical illness, we have been preserved. He has brought us through the pandemic COVID-19. This is not because of our righteousness or godliness. Only through His steadfast love, many have been saved from it. Even some of the holy men of God have died because of the infection.

2. Upholds

“If I say, “My foot slips,” Your mercy, O Lord, will hold me up” Psalm 94:18

It often happens that people slip and fall. Even the elephant slips at times. We do slip from holy life at times. David about whom Jesus Christ said, “a man after My own heart, who will do all My will,” remained in his palace at the time of war. He was strolling on the terrace and saw a woman taking bath. The lust of the eyes made him lust after her. As he had authority, he called her and fulfilled the desires of his flesh. He did not stop there. He tried to send her husband to his home. As he failed in his attempt, he contrived to kill him at the battlefield itself. But the Lord revealed it to the prophet Nathan and spoke through him to David. He realized his sin and confessed it and got forgiveness from the Lord.

In our lives also, we should confess our sins to have the mercy of the Lord. Proverbs 28:13 says, “He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.” When we slip due to varied reasons, we should call upon the Lord. Because of His steadfast love, He would uphold us. Psalm 145:14 says, “The Lord upholds all who fall, and raises up all who are bowed down.” The Lord lives even today. He who protected you from the time of your formation in the womb, upholds till you reach old age. He does not change. He is faithful in His steadfast love to protect us from falling.

3. Trustworthy

“How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings” Psalm 36:7

When we come under His wings seeking refuge, He gives us total protection. Psalm 91:4 tells us, “He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler.” We will be saved from all diseases and protected from all the perils of both day and night times. Often we are threatened by diseases and dangers, and fear fills our hearts. But when we come under His wings, we come under His care and protection. His great mercy protects us. He hides us in the shadow of His wings “From the wicked who oppress me, from my deadly enemies who surround me.” (Psalm 17:9). Today there are many people afraid of witchcraft and sorcery. But the Bible says, “For there is no sorcery against Jacob, nor any divination against Israel” (Num. 23:23). The Lord further affirms: “No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me,” says the Lord.” (Isaiah 54:17). The Lord will keep you from all evil. No pestilence will come near you. Thus the Lord upholds, and transforms the situation and protects you.

Malachi 4:2 says, “But to you who fear My name the Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings; and you shall go out and grow fat like stall-fed calves.”  In His shelter, there is health and joy.

4. Salvation Through Grace

“even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)” Ephesians 2:5

By His grace we are saved from the punishment of sins. We have the assurance of salvation that enables us to live a holy godly life through a transformation in our mindset and feelings. We are dead to sin to live a new righteous life. Only to grant us this new life, Jesus Christ was sent to this earth. Not through our righteousness or goodness that we have this new life of salvation; only when our sins are cleansed by the blood of Jesus shed on the cross for our sake, we become a new creation in Him. This is possible when we believe in what He did on the cross for our sake. Thus we become worthy to inherit eternal life. But this life should be renewed and sustained in Him every day of our lives till the end to ensure eternal life. This life in Jesus is free for anyone through His grace and by faith. When we are thus saved, we have serenity and clarity in thought as to what is good or bad, and blessing or curse. Jesus Christ was afflicted for our sake to make us enjoy this new life following His steps. “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps.” (1 Peter 2:21). We are delivered from the bondage of tradition and worldliness to live in His path of righteousness. Thus, we are saved through His grace by our faith.

III  WHAT ONE SHOULD DO TO RECEIVE THE MERCY OF THE LORD?

1. Trust the Lord

“Many sorrows shall be to the wicked; but he who trusts in the Lord, mercy shall surround him.” Psalm 32:10

In today’s world, we find people trusting in money, good education, good job or status. They trust their own skill, ability, wisdom, experience, or power, or people in high places. Instead of trusting the Almighty God, they place their trust in things created by the Creator. As a result, they are cheated and defeated in life and get entangled in difficulties and depression. Worries lead to diseases. Dearly beloved in Christ, today on whom do you have your trust? Or on what? Man cannot take anything with him at the time of death. Only the things he had done would follow him.

Once a physician, who worked in the army had to escape from a country with his wife and children, had to shoot down a soldier.  But after so many years, at the time of his death he was shouting “soldier, soldier.” His daughter was by his side encouraging him to confess his sins. Thus, he died with the assurance of salvation with his sins forgiven and with the peace and joy of salvation. This salvation will come with us.

2. Humility

“But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6

“This shall be a statute forever for you: In the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, you shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all, whether a native of your own country or a stranger who dwells among you.” (Lev. 16:29). “For any person who is not afflicted in soul on that same day shall be cut off from his people.” (Lev. 23:29). Jesus Christ humbled Himself and took the form of man in flesh. “Though the Lord is on high, yet He regards the lowly; but the proud He knows from afar” (Psalm 138:6). “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8). Zephaniah counsels us, “Seek the Lord, all you meek of the earth, who have upheld His justice. Seek righteousness, seek humility. It may be that you will be hidden in the day of the Lord’s anger.” (Zeph. 2:3). Jesus Christ Himself said: “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matt. 11:29). His mother Mary says, “For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed.” (Luke 1:48). “He has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted the lowly.” (Luke 1:52). Of Jesus Christ it is written: “And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” (Phil. 2:8). He was humble and he expects that quality from us. He resists the proud. So let us commit to live a life of humility as the Lord desires. When we are thus humble, He is beside us to make us prosper in what we do. Let us be humble and be blessed.

3. Fear of the Lord

“For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him” Psalm 103:11

To receive the grace of the Lord, we must fear Him. Proverbs 8:13 says, “The fear of the Lord is to hate evil.” There are people who seek and desire to do evil to others.

Dearly beloved in Christ, when we have the fear of the Lord, we would obey the Word of God. Abraham obeyed the Lord God when he was asked to sacrifice his only son Isaac. Then the Lord said, ”Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.” (Gen. 22:12). Let us also commit to obey the Word of God to enjoy the grace of the Lord. Job feared the Lord even when he was afflicted and tempted by the devil. At the end he was blessed doubly. He will bless those who fear the Lord, both the small and the great. In the fear of the Lord, we are blessed greatly.

When we accept Jesus Christ as our Shepherd, we can say with David, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord” (Psalm 23:6). We should have Him before us in all that we do. He should lead us as a shepherd does. “And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.” (John 10:4).

Dear Brother/ Sister, let us submit to hear the voice of the Lord. Every man is given this knowledge to hear His voice. In our office, the people are alerted as they hear the noise of the vehicle. A mother knows the cry of her child even while there are many other children. Even animals have the sense to know the sound or voice of their master. To hear the voice of the Lord we should be cleansed. Isaiah was touched with a coal from the altar, and then was assured: “Behold, this has touched your lips; your iniquity is taken away, and your sin purged” (Isaiah 6:7). After that he could hear the voice of the Lord. Today let us commit to be cleansed with the blood of Jesus Christ. Let us be transformed to hear His voice and to follow Him. Let His grace abound in us.

May the Lord bless us!

In the service of Christ Jesus,

Bro. C. Ebenezer Paul.