Dear Christian Friends,
FOUR POINTS TO PONDER BEFORE CHRISTMAS
FOURTH ADVENT POINT: YOU
This is the last point to ponder in our Advent series of four: God, us, Jesus, and you.
We highlighted in the first point that God has three key characteristics: He is loving, holy and just.
The focus in the second point was on us. God shows us that his redemption is the act which sets us free from the power of evil and sin, while revealing to us our need for forgiveness. God only forgives us when we truly repent. Nominal Christians do not realize that if one does not seek forgiveness, one cannot have a relationship with God.
Last week, in the third point on Jesus, we understood the importance of making the Christian message clear and communicating precisely the Good News of Jesus Christ. True Christians can only come to Christ through faith and repentance, believing in the word and work of Jesus Christ. They recognize that Christmas is all about Jesus.
This week, the final point is you. The ball is now with you! It is up to you to decide what you are going to do. Jesus paid the price of salvation for you, but only if you say yes to Him, will you actually receive His forgiveness.
Bill Hybels in his well-known book: "Becoming a Contagious Christian" wrote: "It is perplexing to me that in spite of the Bible's emphasis that you must individually receive Christ and His free GIFT of salvation, this is the most overlooked part of the Christian message in a lot of churches today. You may be left with the impression that if you go to church, or you are born into a faithful Christian family, or you try to be moral and religious, then you are automatically made right with God. But it is not true! You have to be crystal clear about the fact that a personal response is essential. You have to receive the forgiveness and leadership of Christ individually."
Rick Warren in his worldwide best-seller "The Purpose Driven Life" wrote: "Like God, we are spiritual beings. We are intellectual, rational and have a moral consciousness. So God sent Jesus on a mission to restore the full image that we have lost. God's ultimate goal for our life on earth is not comfort, but character development. Your character is essentially the sum of your habits. God is far more interested in what you are than in what you do."
Nicky Gumbel concludes at the end of the Alpha Course:
How great God is! What a privilege it is to walk in a relationship with him, to be loved by him and to serve him all our lives. It is the best, most rewarding, fulfilling, meaningful, satisfying way to live.
We pray that this four-part Advent series inspires you to live the Christian life and to join us in our Church to celebrate Christmas.
Christmas Celebrations
In English with Bishop Roger
Sunday at 10:00, 23rd December - Morning Prayer with the Blessing of Health
Monday at 23:30, 24th December - Christmas Eve Midnight Mass
Tuesday at 10:00, 25th December - Christmas Day Communion
Em Português com Revd. Aldo
Domingo ás 12:00 e 18:30, 23 de dezembro - Santa Comunhão
Em Português com Dom Glauco
Segunda-feira ás 18:30, 24 de dezembro - Santa Comunhão de Natal
Terça-feira ás 12:00, 25 de dezembro - Santa Comunhão de Natal