Author: Rev. Lek Aik Wee

Sharing the Joy of the Saviour’s Birth

In the frenzy of parties and shopping in this month of December, let us not forget this is the time when we remember our Saviour’s birth. Christmas is the highest point of human history because it marks the fulfilment of God’s plan to save mankind from the curse of sin that is not only physical death but also eternal judgment in the lake of fire.

At Christmas, we remember the birth of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ. He, alone, can save us from our sins. This is the good news that the angels announced to the humble shepherds tending their sheep in the field in Bethlehem that night. This was the joy that was announced to the world.

“Fear not, 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.” (Luke 2:10-11).

Give Me Thine Heart

Proverbs 23:26 My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.

“Give, my son, your heart to me” is the loving entreaty of our heavenly Father to His children. The emphasis is on the active verb placed at the beginning of the sentence in the literal translation. Offer, present, surrender your heart to me.

The Apostle Paul provided a similar entreaty with an exhortation to prayer when he said in Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Indeed, not by our own power but by the mercies of God, a prayer that God will bestow His unmerited favour when we deserve punishment for our waywardness.

The Lord’s Return Is Near

The church of Jesus Christ is exhorted to prepare for the Lord’s imminent return.

Let us look at James’ exhortation to the church in James 5:7-8 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. 8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.

James addressed the early church who were persecuted for their faith, suffering the loss of their possessions, even their livelihood and home. What were they to do when they have been following the Lord and yet incarcerated? Life was difficult! He exhorted them to be patient, to learn patience. To be patient when their rights have been encroached. James was painting the rich oppressors of this world (James 5:1-6), whose riches come through evil ways and will ultimately be disappointed with life. These wealthy oppressors of this world, those who use their wealth to make more personal wealth for personal gain at the expense of others will not face a good end. These rich, elite men of the world will one day cry in misery because their fortunes are turned. When Christ returns, they will be judged. “Weep and howl” (James 5:1) described the great grief, pain and sorrow that they will experience. These who have hoarded their wealth and lost them eventually to decay. Their wealth rotted away.