Sunday, December 25, 2016

Merry Christmas 2016

Merry Christmas 2016

Nobody knows the exact date of his birth. But his followers estimated the date analysing the references of cosmic significance. It was the coldest night of that winter. Night, because the shepherds saw a 'Bright Star' moving towards one direction. They walked along with the Star and when the Star stopped moving, they also stopped. They were in front of a manger in Bethlehem, where Virgin Mary of Nazareth, the wife of Joseph, traveled for census, gave birth to a child and laid him in a manger. The angels proclaim him a saviour and shepherds come to adore him following a Star. Joseph followed advice of the angel, take Mary and named the child Jesus as he was born to save his people from their sins. The family then returned to Nazareth. But when the King Herod massacred all males under two years old in order to kill Jesus, the King of the Jews, his family fled to Egypt and later settled in Nazareth when the threat of death ended. Like Lord Krishna, he was born in the night and was moved to another place due to the life threat from the ruler.

One world of Adam of 'Death' ended and the new world of Christ of 'Life' born. The year was estimated from the rule of Herod the Great on Bethlehem. People from 3rd century, celebrating nativity feast on 25th December. 

When he was 12 years old people found him in the Temple listening to the teachers and asking questions so that all who heard him were amazed. Living in "Father's House", he grew in wisdom living with his parents. Thereafter no authentic details are recorded for his life between 12-30. When he became 30 years old, there are five major milestones recorded: Baptism, Transfiguration, Crucifixion, Resurrection, and Ascension. 

When he was about 30 years old (AD 26), he begins his public ministry of 3.5 years; with his baptism by John the Baptist near the river Jordan, spent 40 days being tempted in the wilderness,  had started preaching in various towns and villages, selected His first followers, performed His first miracle at Cana in Galilee, and traveled to Capernaum north of the Sea of Galilee, proclamation of Jesus the Christ by Peter, followed his transfiguration witnessed by three disciples, predicts his death and enter into Jerusalem, take Last Supper with his disciples, one of his disciples betrayed him for thirty pieces of silver, as predicted by him Peter disowned him thrice before the rooster crowed next morning, was arrested, tried and crucified on Good Friday of Spring by the Romans (AD 30 or 33). A tragic crucifixion of an innocent. He sacrificed his for the sins of others. 

His seven sentences (Last Words) of passion made while he was on cross are the doctrine of salvation and atonement. These are: 

  1. Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do. (Forgiveness)
  2. Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise. (Salvation)
  3. Woman, behold your son. Son, behold your mother. (Relationship)
  4. My God, My God, why have you forsaken me? (Abandonment)
  5. I thirst. (Distressed)
  6. It is finished. (Triumph)
  7. Father, into your hands I commit my spirit. (Reunion) 

On the third day on Easter Sunday, he rose again from the death (resurrection). He appeared to many people for forty days before ascended to heaven (ascension).

Christmas is a festival of joy to celebrate birth of Jesus Christ, to chant Hymn and sing songs composed on nativity, portraying humility of his birth. It is called the "Song of the Angels" given that it was uttered by the angels in the Annunciation to the Shepherds. Christian people all over the world celebrate this week (24-31) in memory of the birth of their Massiah. Jesus was their Lord and Master who was to be served with all their hearts and who would one day judge their actions throughout their lives. For millions of Christians on Earth believe in his promise "I am with you always, even unto the end of the world".

His image of humble at birth and sacrificed at death is lighting the path of lives of millions of Christians all over the world. He has conquered their hearts by love. 

Merry Christmas.

Punamchand
25 December 2016

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