PESAN NATAL 2014

christmas

 

“Let Us Come and Adore Him

 

Christmas celebration is here again! But as believers in Christ sent by the Father, Christmas is not just one of the celebrations that we have here in Malaysia. I also feel that when we great one another “Happy Christmas’ it is just a casual celebration greetings as we do with the usual celebration greetings that we have in Malaysia. The question is how aware and convinced are we that the core of our Christmas greetings and carols is the Love of God for us expressed in the birth of Jesus (Jn.3:16) who is dwelling among us (Jn. 1:14). As believers in Christ it is important therefore that we are convinced in what we do, say and celebrate at Christmas. Let us not get drowned on intoxicated in the worldly Christmas celebration in our midst!

I believe that it is only when we are convinced that we are committed. In this case it is our commitment to the person of Jesus. He is in our midst and is always with us till the end of time (Mt.28:20). It is sad to know that there are many of us Christian who are only Baptized but have not made effort to build a strong personal relationship with the person of Jesus, not rooted and build up on Him (Col.2:6-7). The same goes with our commitment as Priests, Religious and Laity. If our conviction and commitment in the person of Jesus is poor our witnessing as Christians in our society will be poor or even lacking.

We all are aware of the challenges we face today because we are Christians. We are aware of the violent persecutions suffered by Christians in the Middle East countries like Iraq and Syria. In our own country of 1Malaysia we are facing threats, both openly and slyly because we are Christians. I usually remind our faithful that we don’t have the power and the money to overcome the threats. There are times when our poor people are tempted to disown Jesus for some Ringgit Malaysia! But if we are convinced and committed that Jesus is our strength, wisdom and guarantee in this present suffering life and eternal life then we must heed His assurance, “I have told you all this so that you may find peace in Me. In the world you will have hardship, but be courageous, I have conquered the world” (Jn. 16:33).

Let us celebrate this Christmas taking the opportunity to praise and thank God for His love expressed in the person of Jesus who is with us. He is our light in this world darkened by sins. To express our conviction and commitment let us come and adore Him.

 

Happy And Blessed Christmas 2014!

 

 

 

+Bishop Datuk Cornelius Piong

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