Page 5 - Good News December 2018 paper

he message of
Christmas is a
Tconstant one. In
the midst of the ever-
changing world, the
vacillations of man and
the rise and fall of
governments, our
hearts cry out for stabi-
lity. 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!