This Week's Sabbath and Christmas Message

MERRY CHRISTMAS

This Holy Celebration is a time of joy and reflection. It is a time of remembrance and thanksgiving…

A time of thankfulness for a Child brought into this world – that would change history, and our salvation.

I would like to share with you a recent conversation I had with a young man of science:

As a scientist he was trying to disprove the elements of the Holy creation, and other things – using the “testable and reproducible” techniques of the “scientific method”.

He thought me, and others like me, to be foolish for believing in something we have only read about, and believed based on the testimony of others…

He valiantly quoted many statistics and research from highly notable scholars and intellectuals stating how “they” were the source of truth because “they” could prove their results…

Impressive I thought…

“So were you there helping with the research?” I inquired…

“No” – he replied…

“So you performed the research yourself?” I continued…

“Well, No” he responded…

“In other words – you are taking the word of someone else, and placing credibility on other people’s work that you only hear about, read about, and study for – based ONLY on the value you place on their opinion?

“…well – yes I guess…”

I commented – “it sounds to me like you use faith too, only in something other than religion”…

“Faith” he asked? Puzzled at my statement…

Our conversation transformed to my reassurance that no one is ever able to convince another of a truth – one has to seek truth in order to find it…

Faith is a belief of that truth, and a hope for assurance that your choice is correct.

I may never know if my words have, or ever will change his belief, but it did cause him to think – and gave me a great story to illustrate my Christmas point…

Nearly two-thousand years ago a baby was born. He taught a message. He died on a cross for our salvation. These are facts well documented.

What we believe from these facts are the things that matter in our accepting His sacrifice and saving graces.

The fact remains – I for one place my credibility on those who have passed down the legacy and teachings of our Savior. I trust those who wrote His words so we can learn His ways. I place my belief in the words of those who have no other interest than the salvation of my soul.

I believe in Him – the one who opened a door to our Father’s kingdom, and leads us as a Shepherd would lead His Sheep to salvation.

Believe in whatever you will, in science, in transcendental meditation, or in any of the many religions available. Whatever you pick is what your choice and path will be – no one will be able to change your mind…

My choice is Jesus Christ.

I love it when this special day is celebrated on the Sabbath.

Just like the young scientist who placed his belief in the unseen teachings, and messages he himself never confirmed – he places his trust in those who deliver the message he believes in – that’s his choice.

I have – like many – placed my trust on the credibility of someone who gave His life for me, who lived His life for me, and remains the King and Savior of this world now and forever more.

The Lord warns against seeking a “sign” in order to gain a “sure knowledge”, because He wants us to trust by our faith. Science teaches that in order to believe you “must” be able to prove and be able to duplicate your results…

I guess that theory works in the world of inventions and practical implementation, but…

“… I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent” (1st Corinthians 1:19).

The scientific method in its attempt to explain our eternal salvation doesn’t quite “add-up”. Logic has a place in solving mechanical problems and farm work… but lacks a little when it comes to your spirituality…

The choices we all make determine what will happen to us forever…

As you read Isaiah 7:14, and Luke Chapter two (the first 14 verses), look beyond the type and print – and gain the feeling of appreciation of for a little baby – born in the most humble surroundings because – He being mightier than the most powerful of royalty needed nothing more than a human body to dwell in to complete His earthly mission.

Christmas is a magical season. There is an energy of goodness that abounds throughout our communities and neighborhood squares. There is so much peace and joy, laughing and sharing – in that we all share the hope of our living Savior.

Christmas is a miraculous time to celebrate a beginning.

Christmas is a wonderful time of sharing our warmth and love to others in honor of a mighty King who was born in a stable.

Christmas is a celebration of a mission that transformed the world from hopelessness into optimism.

Christmas is a quiet reflection of giving.

This season of thoughtfulness reach out to others. Reach out and give a little something to a shelter, to an aid kitchen, or to a rescue mission. Reach out an embrace those who are living in the humble circumstances of need – and pray we may serve the King of the Highest, our King and Savior Jesus Christ, to love one another, and keep His commandments…

Let us pray:
In humility our Father in Heaven; we bow our heads in reverence to Thee: open our eyes to behold Thy gracious hand in all Thy works; that rejoicing in Thy whole creation, we may learn to serve Thee in gladness; for the sake of He whom all are saved unto Thee: in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: so mightily spread abroad with Thy Grace through the Holy Spirit: may all people be gathered in their homes under the banner of the Prince of Peace as Thy children of one Father to whom all dominion and glory now and forever will be; take away our arrogance and redeem us in the name of He who we honor in celebration this Holy day. Look on us with compassion as we in harmony this day bring joy to our brethren that we may all in Christ join as one to praise thy Holy name. Father we beseech Thee to comfort those serving in our Armed Forces, their families and loved ones; bless them with their needs, with safety, watch over them with Thy ever present strength. This day may we open our hearts with generous compassion toward our neighbor, and follow the teachings and commandments of He in whose name we pray; even Jesus Christ, Amen.

God Bless…

Reverend Jack