Christmas 2024 | 25 December | 2:30 PM
The joy of Christmas permeating every hearts, the congregation was seated in the church well before the appointed time. Led by the worship team, heartfelt song of praise was sung in the spirit of the occasion. Worship leader read out scripture portion from Matthew 1 and Luke 2 and after a word of prayer, the praise and worship session resumed with Christmas hymns reminding everyone of the hope and joy of Christmas. Upa Songzalian dedicated the offerings to the Lord.
A Christmas greeting by TBUC Vice Chairman, Upa Thangkhosiam followed. Thereafter, BCD and BYF presented special numbers on the theme of Christmas.
Pastor Suankhanhau delivered the Christmas sermon based on Matthews 1:21 - “ And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins”. This verse summarized Jesus’ purpose of becoming flesh and coming down to earth. Explaining the meaning of ‘Jesus’ which is ‘The Lord is Salvation’ or ‘The Lord Saves’, he said that the reason why Jesus came down to earth and His whole mission and purpose is found in the meaning of His name – Savior. The primary purpose of Christmas is the fulfillment of the meaning of Jesus’ name which also indicates the reason for His coming into the world and His ministry on the earth. Pastor then expounded on the verse under three important heads - His people, From their sins and He will save. The immediate people referred in the verse are the Jews, descendants of Israel. During those times, they were ruled over by the Romans, exploited, reeling under the burden of heavy taxation and steeped in poverty. With regard to prophetic message, it was a silent period. The society was also morally decaying. It was the time when they badly needed a Savior. Jesus, having no sin in Him, came in the flesh to save His people from their sins.
The problem of the world is the problem of sin. Everyone has sinned and face eternal damnation. Sin separates man from God causing emptiness and lack of self esteem. Jesus was born on earth to bring reconciliation between God and man and for a lasting relationship with Him. He came to save mankind from the power of sin, the penalty of sin and the presence of sin. Posing the question whether we can live a perfect, sinless life on this earth, Pastor affirmed that we can by following the word of God. Jesus died on the Cross to give us the power to do so. He has set an example for us through His life, His death on the cross and His resurrection. The salvation of God can be attained through obedience in following the revelation of Jesus. With a ready heart and full commitment to receive Jesus in our hearts, we can be saved. If not, we will remain eternally condemned. In conclusion, Pastor made an altar call for those who wanted to receive Jesus as their Savior and for those committed to living a life pleasing to Him.
A beautiful Christmas choir was presented by the Baptist Dorcas Committee and thereafter, the service concluded with a word of prayer by Upa Langkham.
