OUR CHRISTMAS MESSAGE – 2024

As the delight of the approaching Christmas period spreads across the Western World, we are mindful of the words of Scripture which brought us the message of the birth of the Saviour, Jesus Christ so long ago.
There were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.
An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.And suddenly, there was with the angel, a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

Tradition says that Francis of Assisi created the very first Christmas nativity scene in AD 1223 after a trip to the Holy Land and Christ’s birthplace, and so began a new tradition that took root in many Western countries. We can see nativity scenes in schools, in front of churches and homes, even on street corners and shop windows, reminding us of what happened the night Jesus was born.
Believers are also reminded that it was Adam and Eve’s sin, that marred and broke their relationship with God, contaminating everyone to this day.
But God in His Mercy, sent His Son in human form “to seek and to save the lost”. To that end, Jesus Christ was born in the town of Bethlehem, and from that day on,

Christ’s birth is the real reason for the season!!

As we gather in December 2024 to celebrate the birth of Christ, our hearts overflow with gratitude for the countless blessings in our lives.
Blessings that we take for granted day after day.
Sadly there are many millions who look around at what is happening in the world today, and who feel anything but gratitude and are very afraid of the future.
However, the words spoken by the Angel to the Shepherds: Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people, have down through the centuries, brought many to ask questions: Was it for me? Was it for me that He came to earth? Was it for me that He died on the Cross?

The answer is a resounding Yes!

One theme running throughout the Scriptures from Genesis to Revelation is the crimson thread of God’s plan of Salvation, which began with His birth and ended with His death on the Cross at Calvary. God has left no doubt that He Himself has come to earth through the virgin birth to pay the infinite penalty His own justice demands for sin, providing a just and eternal Salvation.
Let us therefore, stand upon God’s Word, proclaiming to all the world that a Saviour was born in Bethlehem, “the Lamb of God,” to bear away the sin of the world; that He died on the Cross for the sins of all; and that the gift of Eternal Life is offered freely to all who will receive it in childlike faith.
The suffering and pain of the Saviour ended with one Greek word which represents three words in English.

• It is the greatest word uttered in an unparalleled moment of time.
• It was a word uttered by the most elevated Person who ever trod this earth.
• It declared the most superlative fact ever!
• It’s utterance affected the greatest number of people who ever lived.
• It brought the greatest blessing ever to the greatest multitude in Earth and Heaven.

The word was: tetelestai – (pronounced:  te tell is tie),

Of the last sayings of Christ on the Cross, none is more important than, “It is finished.”
Found only in the Gospel of John, the Greek word translated “it is finished” is tetelestai, an accounting term that means “paid in full.”
When Jesus uttered those words, He was declaring the debt owed by mankind was eliminated by His blood shed on the Cross and was paid in full.
It meant that man could find forgiveness for sin once for all!
In English it translates to “it is finished.” In the New Testament, it was said to be used on receipts in business meaning “debt paid in full.”
In a judicial context for court, it means “fully served.” In military context, Tetelestai means “battle won.” A word used for triumph and victory.
From Genesis to Malachi, there are over 300 specific prophecies detailing the coming of the Anointed One, all fulfilled by Jesus.
John the Baptist, would “prepare the way” for the Messiah. All prophecies of Jesus’ life, ministry, and death were fulfilled and finished at the Cross.

Was it for me He bowed His head?
Upon that Cross and freely shed
His precious blood—that crimson tide,
Was it for me the Saviour died?
It was for me, yes all for me!
O love of God, so great so free.
O wondrous love, I’ll shout and sing,
He died for me! My Lord and King.

Yes indeed, our debt was paid in full! There was Victory at the Cross!! The Battle was won!!
As we celebrate our Saviour’s birth in December, we remember with grateful hearts that He fulfilled God’s plan for redemption.
May we also be mindful of the blessings He brought when He was born and let us not be afraid to “boast in the Lord” as we enter the year 2025.
What lies ahead for us is in His Hands.

To all our family and friends, who have supported us, prayed for us and helped us, we wish you a blessed Christmas as we wait for His return.

Our love to you all,

Jon and Marcy Emerton