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Merry Christmas, everyone! Let us not forget the importance of this day, when God came to Earth as man. But, while it is special that God walked side by side with man, this act alone did not change the world.
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What solidifies Jesus as God is that he was able to teach us how to live a fulfilling, Godly life, unlike any man to come before him or since.
One of His most important lessons, in my opinion, is Matthew 4:43-44 âYou have heard that it was said, âYou shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.â But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you,
and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.â
As Jesus says, this was a break from the teachings of Judaism. If you are interested on this topic, I refer you to this excellent paper written by a Jewish scholar https://www.firstthings.com/article/2003/02/the-virtue-of-hate
Another, vitally important lesson repeated constantly throughout the Bible, that Jesus reminded us of, is âdo not fear.â Many of you will not like what I have to say next, yet, it needs to be said.
Throughout all of human history, there has been an ongoing battle between those who want freedom and those who want control.
Those who want to control us primarily use fear to get their way. Today, we see this in the form of fear of the coronavirus.
There are at least 33 times the Bible says âdo not be afraid.â It is vitally important that you do not be afraid, hence why Jesus mentions it over and over again.
I believe this is primarily to help us avoid violating the 1st Commandment (although there are numerous other reasons) - âThou shalt have no other gods before me.â
It is all too easy to fall into the devilâs trap of obeying false idols (being afraid) instead of doing what God commands (do not be afraid).
Sadly, the media, our politicians, our friends and family have recently done much to promote living a life of fear. Now we must ask ourselves, what of these people who perpetuate fear?
Well, the Bible is clear. This is in direct contradiction to Godâs will, and so by logical deduction it is the work of the devil.
No one is perfect. The devil has worked through us all from time to time, we are only human - the only man capable of resisting this temptation is Jesus.
Take a minute to stop and think, have I been speaking a message of fear lately? If so, I urge you to say a prayer and repent on this day of our Lordâs birth. God will forgive you, that is the beautiful thing about Grace.
No matter what we have done in our past, God forgives. And I, and all Christians, forgive as well.
God bless you, Merry Christmas again and I pray we all have a Happy New Year!
God bless you, Merry Christmas again and I pray we all have a Happy New Year!
