MERRY CHRISTMAS
NOT CONDEMNATION BUT REDEMPTION

When Jesus was born, the Angel appeared to the Shepherds and said: I have good news for you: A savoir is born…He will save you from sin। Today we come together to celebrate this good news: In Jesus, we are a new creation and in him, we have life and hope. Jesus gives us salvation in the following FOUR ways:

OFFERING HIS PRESENCE
God saves us not as an outsider। He involves in our history and integrates himself with our daily life. He is Immanuel. Jesus said to Zacchaeus: Come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house.

OFFERING FORGIVENESS
Jesus saves us by offering forgiveness। Many people are captives of the past missteps and mistakes. Many feel that they are unworthy to come closer to God. Many feel that there is no hope. I invite your attention to the story of the prodigal son. According to this story, even without asking anything of his past reckless life, his father, embraced him. Jesus wants to share this Good News with us: “Do not be afraid! Come to me… I will give you rest…”

OFFERING A NEW WAY
Jesus gives us salvation by offering a New Way। The Old Testament Principal, a tooth for a tooth and an eye for an eye will not work anymore. They were tested and failed. So after washing the feet of his disciples Jesus said: I am giving you a new way, a way of service, humility and sharing.

OFFERING HIS LIFE
Jesus was born in Bethlehem। The word Bethlehem means House of Bread. Jesus continues His saving work by being food (Eucharist) for us.

At the birth of Jesus, the Angels sang: Glory to God in the Highest and peace on earth. When we accept the way of Jesus, there will be peace on Earth and Glory in heaven. Because as Paul said: Everyone in Jesus is a New Creation. Let this Christmas be a time to begin a new way of living. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and every blessing of this season.