Matthew's gospel chapter 2:1-2 says, “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?'”
Wise people aren't happy with guesses or speculation. They want to know the truth about God, their past, and their future. Wise men came from somewhere east of Israel and they may have journeyed as long as two years.
Think about that for a moment. They had committed their time, finances, even dedicating their lives for a single moment to see “He who was born, King of the Jews.”
This king was no ordinary king; he was the one known as “The God-man.” Anselmn, Archbishop of Canterbury wrote, “. . . for, as death came upon the human race by the disobedience of man, it was fitting that by man's obedience life should be restored.” So the Christ Child came to restore us in our lost relationship Himself.
This year Canada became 150 years old. I'm so thankful here in our beautiful downtown that recognizes and celebrates Christmas.
Do you remember the Christmases when malls and stores and streets were decorated and Christmas music was playing everywhere?
Today governments, atheists, and so on, have robbed Canada of its traditional Christmas joy and cheer. They no longer acknowledge Christmas, but call this season “holidays.” They say “happy holidays,” and note holiday trees and holiday gifts.
May I encourage you not to let the Grinch steal Christmas. It is not an offensive season, but a season of love, hope, joy and peace. God keep our land; celebrate the season of Christmas, for it's Christmastime!
Wishing you all very merry Christmas.
Gerald Bradbury is the pastor of the River of Life Pentecostal Assembly in Innisfail.
