CHRISTMAS WITH CHRIST IN ABSENTIA
"For this day in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord (the Messiah). When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying one to another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem, and see this [wonderful] thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the Baby as He lay in the manger". Luke 2:11, 15-16 (AMP)
Early this morning, I remembered an old wise saying in my mother's tongue: "Won ki fari olori lehin e" which means "You don't cut someone's hair in absentia". Over the years, I have come to understand the meaning of that statement and how relevant it is even in our world today. I have come to understand that Christmas celebration without Christ in the centre of our heart is just an empty jamboree. As far as God is concerned, it doesn’t really matter how many cow/goat/turkey/fowl we slaughter to celebrate Christmas. It doesn't matter how gorgeous and expensive our Christmas dresses/wears and shoes are too. It doesn't matter how many gifts we gave or received this season. It doesn't matter how big and attractive our Christmas trees and decorations are. If we don't have a personal encounter with the Saviour that was born in Bethlehem about 2000 years ago, then we are just acting foolishly by celebrating Christmas with Christ in absentia. And that is a serious blunder! It is like cutting or weaving someone hair in his/her absence. Can you imagine how foolish or stupid that sounds ? But unfortunately, there are many people today that are celebrating Christmas without having any personal encounter with Christ the Saviour. This is the height of foolishness.
In the above scripture, before the shepherds could celebrate the first Christmas, they left everything they had behind in search for Christ who is the real reason for the season. They knew that Christmas is not complete until they have met Christ. They refused to celebrate Christmas until they have discovered who their Saviour is. That is simply wisdom. No wonder God himself called those Shepherds "wise men" in the scritpure.
Beloved, are you celebrating Christmas today with Christ in absentia in your heart. Are you among the foolish ones in this generation who are celebrating Christmas without having any encounter with Christ? Are you one of those who are celebrating "Xmas" today; those who have substituted "X" for "Christ" on the table of their heart. If only you will seek and embrace the Saviour like those Shepherds, this years Christmas will mark a new beginning of true greatness and colourful destiny for you. I urge you to please walk away from the camp of foolishness and join the wise men/women who are celebrating Christmas with Christ in their hearts today.
As we celebrate Christmas day, please let us join the wise men/women to seek the King of kings by singing the First Noel which was compiled in 1823 by Davies Gilbert.
The First Noel
The First Noel, the Angels did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep
On a cold winter's night that was so deep.
Refrain:
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!
They looked up and saw a star
Shining in the East beyond them far
And to the earth it gave great light
And so it continued both day and night.
And by the light of that same star
Three Wise men came from country far
To seek for a King was their intent
And to follow the star wherever it went.
This star drew nigh to the northwest
O'er Bethlehem it took its rest
And there it did both Pause and stay
Right o'er the place where Jesus lay.
Then entered in those Wise men three
Full reverently upon their knee
And offered there in His presence
Their gold and myrrh and frankincense.
Then let us all with one accord
Sing praises to our heavenly Lord
That hath made Heaven and earth of nought
And with his blood mankind has bought.
My prayer is that the reason for the season shall manifest Himself in your home/life/business/health/ministry and give you many reasons to continue to celebrate Him till He returns to take you to your mansion above in Jesus name. Amen
On behalf of my darling Queen and lovely children, I wish you a very merry Christmas and a Prosperous Year 2018 in advance.
Good day and God bless you. Amen
Maranatha!
Bro Okanlawon Taiwo
For more articles please visit - http://okanlawontaiwo.blogspot.com
Follow on Twitter: @tammytaiwo
Follow on instagram @lawontaiwo
"For this day in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord (the Messiah). When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying one to another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem, and see this [wonderful] thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the Baby as He lay in the manger". Luke 2:11, 15-16 (AMP)
Early this morning, I remembered an old wise saying in my mother's tongue: "Won ki fari olori lehin e" which means "You don't cut someone's hair in absentia". Over the years, I have come to understand the meaning of that statement and how relevant it is even in our world today. I have come to understand that Christmas celebration without Christ in the centre of our heart is just an empty jamboree. As far as God is concerned, it doesn’t really matter how many cow/goat/turkey/fowl we slaughter to celebrate Christmas. It doesn't matter how gorgeous and expensive our Christmas dresses/wears and shoes are too. It doesn't matter how many gifts we gave or received this season. It doesn't matter how big and attractive our Christmas trees and decorations are. If we don't have a personal encounter with the Saviour that was born in Bethlehem about 2000 years ago, then we are just acting foolishly by celebrating Christmas with Christ in absentia. And that is a serious blunder! It is like cutting or weaving someone hair in his/her absence. Can you imagine how foolish or stupid that sounds ? But unfortunately, there are many people today that are celebrating Christmas without having any personal encounter with Christ the Saviour. This is the height of foolishness.
In the above scripture, before the shepherds could celebrate the first Christmas, they left everything they had behind in search for Christ who is the real reason for the season. They knew that Christmas is not complete until they have met Christ. They refused to celebrate Christmas until they have discovered who their Saviour is. That is simply wisdom. No wonder God himself called those Shepherds "wise men" in the scritpure.
Beloved, are you celebrating Christmas today with Christ in absentia in your heart. Are you among the foolish ones in this generation who are celebrating Christmas without having any encounter with Christ? Are you one of those who are celebrating "Xmas" today; those who have substituted "X" for "Christ" on the table of their heart. If only you will seek and embrace the Saviour like those Shepherds, this years Christmas will mark a new beginning of true greatness and colourful destiny for you. I urge you to please walk away from the camp of foolishness and join the wise men/women who are celebrating Christmas with Christ in their hearts today.
As we celebrate Christmas day, please let us join the wise men/women to seek the King of kings by singing the First Noel which was compiled in 1823 by Davies Gilbert.
The First Noel
The First Noel, the Angels did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep
On a cold winter's night that was so deep.
Refrain:
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!
They looked up and saw a star
Shining in the East beyond them far
And to the earth it gave great light
And so it continued both day and night.
And by the light of that same star
Three Wise men came from country far
To seek for a King was their intent
And to follow the star wherever it went.
This star drew nigh to the northwest
O'er Bethlehem it took its rest
And there it did both Pause and stay
Right o'er the place where Jesus lay.
Then entered in those Wise men three
Full reverently upon their knee
And offered there in His presence
Their gold and myrrh and frankincense.
Then let us all with one accord
Sing praises to our heavenly Lord
That hath made Heaven and earth of nought
And with his blood mankind has bought.
My prayer is that the reason for the season shall manifest Himself in your home/life/business/health/ministry and give you many reasons to continue to celebrate Him till He returns to take you to your mansion above in Jesus name. Amen
On behalf of my darling Queen and lovely children, I wish you a very merry Christmas and a Prosperous Year 2018 in advance.
Good day and God bless you. Amen
Maranatha!
Bro Okanlawon Taiwo
For more articles please visit - http://okanlawontaiwo.blogspot.com
Follow on Twitter: @tammytaiwo
Follow on instagram @lawontaiwo
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