Every year we are inundated with numerous tales related to the Christmas season. Santa Claus, Frosty the snowman, Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer, the Grinch that stole Christmas and a host of other characters are an inevitable part of our holiday preparations. Their stories are told over and over through song, storybook and television episodes from late November to the end of December. They are an inevitable part of decorations and holiday displays in stores, shopping malls, and both inside and outside of our homes. The appeal of these characters is not confined to young children as many holiday gatherings may feature adults dressed in costumes representing the Grinch, Santa or one of his elves. But there is much more to Christmas than what these characters and their stories represent.

Christmas is based upon the Biblical account of Jesus, a real person who was born in Bethlehem over 2000 years ago. He was believed to be the Savior of mankind since many of the Old Testament prophecies concerning the Redeemer were fulfilled in his life. One of His followers, John, recorded many of the miracles He performed and the teachings that He gave. In John 3:16, Jesus says this about the purpose of His coming: For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. His statement gives insight into the significance of celebrating Christmas.

God loves the world:

Genesis reveals how God created the world with power and precision. He declared His satisfaction with what came into being through His spoken command. He involved His hands and His breath in the creation of man and positioned Adam and Eve in dominion over the earth. Their disobedience to His restriction on one tree in the Garden of Eden introduced sin in the earth and broke the fellowship they enjoyed with God. He could have destroyed them and started over, but He showed mercy and purposed to reconcile with man in due time. Despite continued rebellion against His way, He loved the world enough to wait until the appointed time of redemption.

The world needs God’s love:

At every juncture in human history there has been evidence of the depths of mankind’s sin and propensity towards evil. War, violence, slavery, deceit, racism, robbery and murder are just some of the fruit of wickedness that pervade the human experience. Yet, the declaration of the Bible is that God loved the world. It is difficult to comprehend why and how He could love the world with its evils and gross wickedness that seem to outweigh the good. But we are part of that world, and the truth is that He loves us despite our own faults, failings and sin.

Jesus connects us to God’s love:

Though many in His day did not believe Him, and some were even offended, Jesus claimed to be the Son of God. The full revelation of the Bible teaches that God Himself condescended to become like us in order to redeem us. Through Jesus, the full measure of God’s love is revealed. In His birth, Jesus identifies with us as humans. Through His life, he shows us God’s way and models perfect obedience. Through His death, our sins are forgiven. Through His resurrection, we are given new life and victory. All of this is an expression of the undeniable and unequaled love of God.

Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus, God incarnate, in humble and unlikely circumstances. It is a reminder of the magnitude of God’s love for His creation and the power of His redemptive plan. It provides an opportunity for believers to worship the King who conquered sin’s power over men’s lives and provided a way of reconciliation with God. It may sound like the stuff of fairy tales and imagination, but it’s the real account of how only God can save and satisfy the soul. That’s the real Christmas story.

Bishop Patrick L. Kelly is the pastor of Cathedral Church of God, 365 S. Dixie Hwy., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441. 954-427-0302.

The custom of exchanging gifts during Christmas has long been a part of the season’s charm, and many retailers aggressively promote their products as the best and greatest gifts for friends and loved ones. Everything from the latest electronic devices to gift certificates, cars, jewelry and clothing are often touted as must-have items for those on your list. The reality is that in the days immediately after Christmas, many of those gifts are going to be returned in exchange for something else. What may seem like a great gift from the perspective of the giver may not be valued as such in the eyes of the receiver.

Over 2000 years ago, the world received a gift unlike any other. In the insignificant and humble confines of a manger, God unveiled the depths of His love in the person of Jesus. More than an act in time, it was a statement in eternity. Better than a solution to a problem, it was the answer to man’s condition. Much more than a mere present, it was heaven’s gift for earth’s need. In John 3:16, Jesus explained it this way, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

In this, we see the greatest love. History and literature are comprised of many supposed great love stories: Antony and Cleopatra, Romeo and Juliet, Sampson and Delilah, Brad and Angelina. But none of them could ever be the greatest love, for they were all conditional and temporary. The Bible represents God’s love as unconditional and eternal. What about the greatest gift? Would that be money, diamonds, status or influence? Many would readily accept such gifts, but would they bring lasting satisfaction? Jesus is God’s only Son who made the ultimate sacrifice, His life, for mankind. There’s no greater gift.

Years ago, during her talk show, Oprah Winfrey was preparing to give away brand new cars to her studio audience. Her staff carefully selected the most deserving from the thousands of letters that were submitted. The audience on that day was there by special invitation only. The greatest invitation, however, is seen in God’s offer to “whoever.” His gift is available to all. Those who were chosen to receive new cars from Oprah had to meet certain criteria. The stipulation was that they had to be without a car, or badly in need of a new one and financially unable to purchase it on their own. The greatest stipulation though, comes from God. He only requires us to believe in His Son.

Our society is hooked on the idea of exemptions. IRS exemptions, diplomatic immunity, special privileges and duty-free status are advantages that we treasure. God offers the greatest exemption in sparing those who believe in His Son from spiritual death or eternal separation from Himself. The Bible teaches that eternal punishment awaits the wicked and those who reject God’s gift. Believers are promised the greatest benefit, however. We all know the advantage of a good insurance policy, paid vacations, performance bonuses and stock options when considering employment offers. We seek to get the most benefit out of our decisions and actions in life. God promises everlasting life to those who accept His gift. Eternity will be experienced and enjoyed with Him.

Whatever gifts you have been given this Christmas, embrace them and appreciate the expressions of love from those who gave to you. Consider God’s great gift as well and embrace all that it provides. Keep in mind that our gifts to each other will only bring satisfaction for this life, and only for a time. God’s great gift, however, will affect both this life and the next. His alone is the greatest gift, revealing the greatest love, providing the greatest invitation and greatest stipulation, and offering the greatest exemption and greatest benefit. Who wouldn’t want that? Peace!

Bishop Patrick L. Kelly is the pastor of Cathedral Church of God, 365 S. Dixie Hwy., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441. 954-427-0302.

Palm Sunday observances in churches around the world mark the beginning of Holy Week, the days leading up to and including Christ’s passion and death on a cross. During this time of year, thousands of believers travel to Jerusalem to trace the footsteps of Jesus during the days leading to His crucifixion. Those unable to make the journey overseas will celebrate in their churches with palm fronds, Good Friday observances, cantatas, plays and Resurrection Sunday services. This is the time of year where, despite doctrinal differences or faith traditions, Christians everywhere are unified in their recognition of the significance of this period.

I was thinking about this when I reflected upon Jesus’ influence some 2000 years after His crucifixion and resurrection. In fact, believers and unbelievers alike are being impacted by His life and teachings to this day. A quick Google search revealed that Jesus consistently ranks at the top of surveys and determinations of the world’s most influential people. A few sites put others ahead of Him, Aristotle in one case and Mohammed in another, but the teacher from Galilee is consistently in the top rankings. As a religious leader, Jesus was and is certainly influential, but evidence abounds that He has impacted other areas of society as well.

Nearly a 1/3 of the world’s population, two billion out of seven billion people, identify themselves as followers of Jesus’ teachings. The Bible, which gives details of Jesus’ life and ministry, is consistently the most read book in the world, and a bestseller as well. The teachings of Jesus have influenced our modern valuations of human life and dignity. In the 1st Century, children were abandoned or sold into slavery. Early Christians were known to rescue newborn babies who had been left in Rome’s trash dumps. Jesus’ interaction with children, women, the sick and the poor revealed His estimation of their value. The first hospitals, orphanages and feeding programs came into being through Christians’ efforts to obey His instructions.

In the arena of education, His influence is evident as well. Only the elite of the ancient world had access to education. The libraries of the monks inspired the first universities of the 12th and 13th Centuries. Cambridge, Oxford and Harvard were formed originally as Christian institutions. In America, the Puritans were the first to pass laws mandating the education of the masses, and Biblical literacy was the emphasis of children’s reading texts for 200 years. Science and Christianity seem to have a combustible relationship in the thought and discourse of many today. It can be argued, however, that the Christian view of a rational God who is the source of rational truth inspired the possibility of scientific laws. Many of the founders of modern science were influenced by Christianity, including Isaac Newton, Louis Pasteur and Blaise Pascal.

Time and space would not permit me to detail the influence of Jesus and Christianity upon our concepts of liberty, justice and equality, or upon art, literature, music, words, symbols, holidays, our calendar and a host of other areas of life that we may take for granted.

Whether or not one agrees that Jesus was the most influential figure in human history, it cannot be denied that He has had a remarkable impact upon the world. His 3 ½ years of ministry and teaching have touched countless lives on every continent of the earth, and His influence is an ongoing reality throughout the world today. May the power of His life and teachings inspire you this season and for all time.

Bishop Patrick L. Kelly is the pastor of Cathedral Church of God, 365 S. Dixie Hwy., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441. 954-427-0302.

The recent celebration of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ provided an opportunity to reflect upon His enduring impact and influence on millions of faithful believers the world over. The consideration of these events underscores the effectiveness of His mission, which was to redeem and provide eternal life. But His obedience to the will of His Father in fulfilling His mission is also instructive for those who would obey and honor God in their lives. In all that Jesus did, He showed His followers how to relate to God and their fellow man. He provided for us a pattern, a model and a fitting example of what a surrendered life looks like.

Mark 10:45 records Jesus as saying, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” This summation of His mission points to three areas in which believers are challenged to follow His example. He came to serve, to suffer and to sacrifice His life for the benefit of others. In a similar manner, we are called to serve, must be prepared to suffer and be willing to sacrifice for the glory of God.

That Jesus came to serve is undeniable. Philippians 2:7 remarks that “He made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.” A bondservant was one who willingly offered himself in slavery to another. Jesus’ followers are enlisted to serve, and expected to do it willingly. We certainly serve God through our obedience and worship, but we are also expected to serve each other as well. On the night before He was betrayed, Jesus surprised His disciples by washing their feet. He then remarked, “If I then your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet” (John 13:14). True service includes doing humbling and menial things to help others.

Jesus’ suffering was predicted in messianic statements in the Old Testament. Isaiah 50:6 says, “I gave my back to those who struck me, and my cheeks to those who plucked out the beard; I did not hide my face from shame and spitting.” And part of Isaiah 53:10 states, “Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief.” The Father purposed and allowed the suffering of His Son. The Son willingly endured the suffering, looking ahead to the joy that lay before (see Hebrews 12:2). Believers’ suffering is also promised and we are to expect and endure it. Indeed, suffering is part of the human experience (due to Adam’s disobedience, not God’s meanness). Believers can face suffering in this life with hope however. In Romans 8:18, Paul confidently asserts, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Jesus was victorious through His suffering, and so shall we be, if we are faithful to endure.

The sacrifice that Jesus made was the ultimate one: He gave His life as a ransom. His death secured our redemption and provides for our fellowship with the Father. We may not be called to give our lives as martyrs but we are called to lives of sacrifice. Our brokenness over our sins, obedience to God’s will, and praise to Him are all acceptable sacrifices that the Bible notes. Jesus was clear in Matt 16:24-25, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” There’s no denying that He did just that in His earthly existence. May the Lord’s exemplary life inspire us to truly honor Him by following His pattern of service, suffering, and sacrifice.

Bishop Patrick L. Kelly is the pastor of Cathedral Church of God, 365 S. Dixie Hwy., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441. 954-427-0302.

Bonnie Tyler had a top 40 hit in the 1980s with the song “Holding Out for a Hero.” The lyrics ask:

Where have all the good men gone, and where are all the gods?

Where’s the street-wise Hercules to fight the rising odds?

Isn’t there a white knight upon a fiery steed?

Late at night, I toss and I turn and I dream of what I need.

The chorus adds:

I need a hero … I’m holding out for a hero ‘til the end of the night.

He’s gotta be strong and he’s gotta be fast and he’s gotta be fresh from the fight.

I need a hero … I’m holding out ‘til the morning light.

He’s gotta be sure, and it’s gotta be soon, and he’s gotta be larger than life…

Heroes are those who are characterized by strength, daring and courageous exploits. Marvel and D.C. comics have created superheroes that may seem weak momentarily in the contest against evildoers, but they always gain the upper hand and come out on top. Real life heroes are those people who can do for us what we often cannot do for ourselves. They may even make the ultimate sacrifice, and give their lives to defend or aid their fellow man.

As we prepare to remember and celebrate the passion of our Savior, we consider Him to be our hero. But Jesus is a hero of a different sort because His victory did not occur through His physical dominance over His enemies. In fact, even though the Biblical Hebrews of His day were anxiously awaiting the arrival of their promised Messiah, they ultimately rejected Jesus because He did not fit the pattern of an expected hero. They were looking for a military general, similar to King David, who would defeat their foes and restore them to prominence as a people.

Instead, Jesus seemingly ignored the cruelty of Rome, but focused on the spirit and behavior of His people. He won the crowds with His preaching and miracles, but angered the Pharisees and priests with His disregard for their traditions. In the end, He was brutalized, mocked and humiliated through crucifixion. He was made to suffer unjustly, and then put to death. Yet, He was victorious, despite His suffering and through His suffering. His death resulted in salvation. He is the ultimate hero, one who willingly gave His life for the good of mankind.

His suffering and death were predicted centuries before His arrival. Genesis 3:15 is believed to be a Messianic pronouncement pointing to the crucifixion of Jesus. The serpent is cursed for deceiving Adam and Eve, and God informs him “I will put enmity between you and the woman. And between your seed and her Seed. He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.”

Psalm 22:16-18 foreshadows scenes at the cross. “For dogs have surrounded Me; the congregation of the wicked has enclosed Me. They pierced My hands and My feet; I can count all My bones. They look and stare at Me. They divide My garments among them, and for My clothing they cast lots.”

Isaiah 53:3 graphically describes the anticipated Messiah as a suffering servant. “He is despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.”

Heroes are usually celebrated for their actions. Though the majority of His day rejected Him, countless believers today faithfully acknowledge and serve Jesus for His sacrifice. He is our Savior and Hero.

Bishop Patrick L. Kelly is the pastor of Cathedral Church of God, 365 S. Dixie Hwy., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441. 954-427-0302.