The First Christmas December 23, 2016

“Silent night, Holy night. All is calm, all is bright…” While shepherds watched their flocks by night…These old Christmas carols tell the story. At first those shepherds were afraid. Later, while they watched in awe, they saw a newborn child. It was no ordinary child, but God in human likeness-truly God and truly man. John wrote of Jesus, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” And the shepherds were amazed. That night as their eyes were opened, they realized the enormity of the message. “To you a Saviour is born.” Then they were activated, going everywhere telling what they had experienced. This Christmas, may many open their eyes and view the miracle of God’s love and turn to God with their fears as the shepherds did. Let’s give Christ His rightful place in Christmas.

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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What? You don’t have all your Christmas gifts purchased? What to give? Dr. Charles Swindoll, in his book “Seasons of Life” has a few ideas. Among them-encourage an older person. Write a long overdue love note to someone dear to you. Release a grudge. Share a smile. Find the time to keep a promise you have made. Forgive an enemy. Make an apology if you were wrong. Offer to babysit for a tired mother. Turn the television off and talk to someone. Seek out a forgotten friend. Gladden the heart of some child. Yes, Christmas is a time for giving. God set the great example. We read, “God so love the world, that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes on Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” Jesus is God’s Christmas gift to all who are willing to receive Christ into their lives, while recognizing their spiritual bankruptcy and need of His forgiveness.

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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Great efforts are being made these days, to take Christ out of Christmas. Because of so-called “political correctness,” many schools no longer mention the Bethlehem Baby. The old Christmas carols are never, or seldom sung in public places, and the greeting “merry Christmas” is often replaced with “Happy Holidays” or “Seasons Greetings.” Commercialism may be supplanting Christmas, but the truth of Christmas can never be erased. The angel’s message is still as much needed today as it was at the first Christmas, because we are just as much in need of a Saviour as people were then … we are still sinners. “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”. Matthew wrote, “And she (Mary) shall bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins. He is still the reason for the season. Let’s keep Christ in Christmas.

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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I read recently of a Christian farmer who painted on his weather vane, the words, “God is love.” His neighbour, a skeptic and unbeliever asked,” Do you mean that God’s love changes like the wind does?” “No,” replied the Christian, “I mean that God loves me no matter which way the wind blows.” That’s a truth for all. God is love, no matter which way the winds of adversity blow in our lives. When we are poor, when we prosper, when we succeed, when we fail, even when we hate ourselves, He still loves us. I’m glad God loves you and me. I know that from personal experience, but also from what He has written in His Word. For example, Paul wrote in the New Testament, “…God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” No matter who we are, no matter what we have done, God still loves us, and He wants to be in our lives.

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse, near Halifax NS, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Atlantic Canada. The many lighthouses in that part of the world, in times past, warned mariners of dangerous rocky areas along the coast. But surprisingly, there is a lighthouse in the middle of the Arizona Desert, where there is no water for 30 miles around. This lighthouse does not give a warning, but an invitation, because nearby is a well of cool thirst quenching water. Even more amazing, Jesus, the Son of God said, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me, shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” He also gave a beautiful invitation, “if anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink.” If you have been drinking without satisfaction at the world’s empty fountains, I urge you to heed Jesus invitation and by faith come to Him and drink at His fountain.

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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A television commercial currently being aired, suggests that while we can’t stop getting older, we don’t have to look older. It then pushes its product. Cosmetic procedures used to be performed mostly on women in the past, but are now increasingly being requested by men. There is a legend involving Spanish explorer Juan Ponce De Leon’s search for the fountain of youth when he traveled to what is now Florida in 1513. And folks frequently look in the wrong places for that elusive youthfulness so they can live long lives. The truth is that everlasting life is available to all. The Bible, says, “And this is life eternal, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” Eternal life is found only in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Want to live forever? Jesus promises, “ I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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Thieves in Marlborough New Zealand broke into a car, parked outside a local repair shop. They crossed the ignition wires attempting to steal the vehicle. But it would not go. Unknown to them the engine had been removed for repairs. This is a reminder for us all. Be sure there’s an engine aboard if you hope to get anywhere. Make sure the locomotive is hooked to the train. And more importantly we need to make sure we have the proper connection to Jesus, if we hope to make it to heaven. Our Saviour explained, “I am the way, that truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Or to put it another way, if our lives are merely connected to religion, church, baptism or good works, we’ll not ever see heaven. That’s because God’s Word tells us, “It is not by works of righteousness that we have one, but according to His mercy He saves us.” Are you connected to Jesus?

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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A Prince Edward Island man left a store, and returned to his car, to find the windows rolled down, and his sun roof open. He had left them closed and the doors locked. Without the keys, he could not see how this could happen. Later, he learned of a special feature of that automobile designed for hot days, making it possible for all windows to be opened remotely, when a certain button on the ignition key is held down. He must have unknowingly pressed against the keys while they were in his pocket. He had neglected to read about this feature in the car’s manual. More seriously, when not being aware of information about one’s relationship to God, many miss out on important Bible truths that affect our eternal destiny. One New Testament writer warned, “How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation.” God loves each of us. Please read your Bible and learn about it.

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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The statement “You only get what you pay for.” Is often made by those who have tried to save money by buying the cheapest item they could find, only to learn that it was of poor quality. While often true in the world of commerce, when it comes to acquiring things in the spiritual, realm, it does not hold true. That’s because none of us can buy forgiveness or a home in heaven. Thankfully the Lord Jesus Christ offers forgiveness and peace of mind as a gift. One New Testament writer explained it as follows- “Not by works of righteousness that we have done, but according to His mercy He saves us.” God’s grace is not for sale. It is free. I know that’s a hard concept to wrap our minds around, but it is true. And no matter who we are, or how bad we have been, Jesus invites us, “Come to me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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A photo taken in New Westminster B.C. in 1940 was entitled “Wait for me Daddy”. It showed Private Jack Bernard saying goodbye to his son Warren Bernard, 5, as he was leaving to serve in the Second World War. Separation is one of the worst results of war- with its heartache and pain for families. And much is said in the Bible about separation too, between the Creator and people. The Heavenly Father created us to be in fellowship with Him, not separated from Him. Isaiah of old explained why so many of us are not in a proper relationship with our Maker. He wrote, “…your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you…” As unpopular as this teaching is, the truth is that we live in a world that is full of examples of its reality and its presence. So it is heart-warming to read James’ promise, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”

Pastor Alex Rockwell
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