Indeed, joy to the world for the Lord has come! Let this whole earth receive Jesus Christ, the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords! What a declaration!
Dan Andrew Cura here. And with this marvelous message, I welcome you once again to “The President’s Report.”
One of the most exciting scenes in the Christmas story concerns the good news proclaimed by the angels. In Luke 2, we read the following verses: There were sheep herders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.” At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God’s praises: Glory to God in the heavenly heights. Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.
On that particular day in Bethlehem, the drab nighttime sky suddenly turned into a festival of sights and sounds with the announcement of the birth of baby Jesus. God the Father sent His own Son into the world to give us joy. Joy not just for the here and now, but joy for the ever after.
Jesus Christ has come to reign over all the earth, to save us from all forms of sin and evil, to conquer death, to bring lasting peace and to give us eternal life. Such great, happy news indeed!
We’ve been through very tough times this year. Typhoons, floods, A(H1N1) flu, dengue, leptospirosis, more diseases and even death, volcano eruption and lahar flow, earthquake in some areas, tight economy and very recently, the massacre of journalists and civilians due to political rivalry. You name it—we’ve had difficult situations, both as a country and in our personal lives. And yet—we still have a reason to celebrate!
As with the message of the angels to the shepherds on that first Christmas, Jesus Christ continues to provide us with His peace amidst all the turmoil around, hope in place of despair and fears for the future, love to overcome all the hatred around, even patience for us to endure the hard times. With Jesus our Immanuel on our side, we can always be joyful. This is the message we proclaim here on FEBC.
As we gather together with our family and friends this Christmas, may we always remember that Christ is the reason for Christmas. And because of
the Christ of Christmas, we have a reason to be joyful all-year round.
May I leave you with this special prayer written by Mary Fairchild:
Lord, this is my prayer not only on Christmas Day
But until I see You face to face
May I live my life this way:
Just like the baby Jesus
I ever hope to be,
Resting in Your loving arms
Trusting in Your sovereignty.
And like the growing Christ child
In wisdom daily learning,
May I ever seek to know You
With my mind and spirit yearning.
Like the Son so faithful
Let me follow in Your light,
Meek and bold, humble and strong
Not afraid to face the night.
Nor cowardly to suffer
And stand for truth alone,
Knowing that Your kingdom
Awaits my going home.
Not afraid to sacrifice
Though great may be the cost,
Mindful how You rescued me
From broken-hearted loss.
Like my risen Savior
The babe, the child, the Son,
May my life forever speak
Of who You are and all You’ve done.
So while this world rejoices
And celebrates Your birth,
I treasure You, the greatest gift
Unequaled in Your worth.
I long to hear the same words
That welcomed home Your Son,
“Come, good and faithful servant,”
Your Master says, “Well done.”
And may heaven welcome others
Who will join with me in praise
Because I lived for Jesus Christ
Not only Christmas Day.
In behalf of your family here at Far East Broadcasting Company Philippines, I greet you a merry, merry, Christ-filled Christmas!
