21 Dec Christmas Greetings from the Executive Director and the AsiaCMS Team!
…the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people… (Luke 2:9)
…there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:13-14).
Dear friends and prayer partners,
This has been a difficult year. Some had it tougher, and some have needed to grieve loss. Yet, in this advent season, we are encouraged by that Event – the birth of our Savior. It is the timeless good news of Immanuel – God is with us, and God is our Savior.
Reflecting on the event:
It is good news for ordinary folks. The proclamation by the angel of “good news of great joy that will be for all the people” (Luke 2:10) was to a group of shepherds out in the cold night air and darkness of the Judean fields. It was the only recorded angelic appearance on that fateful night. How aptly revealing of God’s intent! He is not just God for the elite, the literate, rich and powerful. His favour is especially intended for the ordinary people, the masses and those on the margins.
It is the good news of forgiveness. God’s salvation is His shalom, restoration for every aspect of human life. But the essence of the human problem is life apart from our Creator. The advent is God taking on the human form that He may reconcile all humanity to Himself. It is the good news of “forgiveness of sin” (Luke 1:77) that we may “serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness all our days” (Luke 1:74-75).
It is the good news of His rule. God remains sovereign and “Glory to God in the Highest” is the ultimate purpose. Amidst the confusion and at times, pain that we grapple with in a fallen world, we are encouraged to look up and be directed to a higher purpose because “…from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen” (Romans 11:36).
As you rejoice in Him in this advent, the AsiaCMS team wish you: MERRY CHRISTMAS & looking forward to a fruitful 2021!
Warm regards,
Rev. Dr. Chan Nam Chen,
the Board and staff of AsiaCMS