December 1, 2011
NO ROOM

“And she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:7. The Christmas message, the world over, will be given this month as it is every December. It will be told in song, sermon, and drama. Those of us in Christ never tire of its redemptive story. For many Christians, Christmas is their favorite time of the year.

The message is unique. God took on the form of man, not only to reveal God to man, but to die for man. The man-made gods of this world seek only to be served, while the true and only God, comes to earth, robed in flesh, to serve man. What a contrast. The gods of silver and gold and stone exist only to be served, while Jesus, God incarnate, makes “himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant.” Philippians 2:7.

But the story of Christmas is not just a birth, but a death! Many people will rejoice at one’s birth, but weep when they die. For the saved, the redeemed, we have reason to rejoice at both. And more so because of the death of Jesus the Christ. For in His death we find life. He spoke of this in John 12:24 when He said, “I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” His death on the cross produces a multitude fit for His eternal kingdom. John saw this multitude as recorded in Revelation 7:9, “After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.” This multitude is the many seeds His death produces.

We know that the birth of Jesus brought peace to the earth as the angels said it would. We know that His life, including His masterful teaching, brought hope and purpose to the world. We know that His death was the redemptive price for the sin of the world. We know that His resurrection gave the promise of immortality to all who would embrace Him. We know all of this and still there is little room in the hearts of men for the Son of God. The power of sin and evil in the world continues to crowd out the Savior.

There was no room for Him in the Inn at Bethlehem, and there is still no room for Him in the hearts of those He created. For those who make room for Jesus in this life, He is preparing a room for them in the next life. John 14:2.

It’s Christmas time again. Let us not forget the birth of the Prince of Peace and the Savior of the world. A BLESSED CHRISTMAS TO ALL!

IS IT WORTH IT?

Is what we do in New Jersey worth the time, energy, and money that is invested in new church work? Ask Eleanor Mercoli. Eleanor visited our services in March of this year. A few months later she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. On October 18th she was baptized into Christ for the forgiveness of her sins. On November 23rd, Eleanor went home to be with the Lord. Is it worth it? She knows it is. And you know it is.

Praise God, Milmay baptized three into Christ in November. Please continue to pray for us. We also need your support. In this down economy, some can no longer support us. May God bless you so that you can bless others.

Merry Christmas
from
Bob & Karen Ponchot, Paul and Ronda Ponchot and David and Amy Whisman