Page 8 - Good News December 2008 paper

he message of Christmas is a constant one. In the midst of
the ever-changing world, the vacillations of man and the
Trise and fall of governments, our hearts cry out for
stability.
The message of Christmas inseparably involves Christ. Cancel
Christ out of Christmas (Xmas) and you are back to the human,
the transient, the instability of a decaying world and world
systems, accentuated by the excesses of what is called the
"Festive Season".
Christless Christmases have been the excuse and reason for
more sin, revelry and unrighteousness than is possible to
assess. How many lives, characters, homes and friendships
have been ruined in the revelries generally indulged in at
Christmas-time. The excuse often offered is: "It is only
Christmas once a year."
A Christless Christmas is a dangerous and treacherous thing.
The true Christmas, with the emphasis on Christ, is a "Joy to the
world". In a strife-torn world it is "Peace on earth". Amidst the
hatred and distrust between individuals and the peoples of the
world, it is "goodwill toward men".
What is most attractive to man about the true Christmas
message is its immutability. No
season, age, country, tongue
or circumstance can change it.
Its effectiveness has been
proven over a period of more
than 2 000 years. It is not
seasonal but perennial, not
national but international, not
selective but universal, not
temporary but eternal...
To all who believe on Him, the
CHRIST of Christmas, He is the
LIFE, JOY and PEACE for time
and eternity!
May your Christmas be Christ-
centred, because then it will be
a happy Christmas!