By Rev. Daniel Yaw 

Introduction
Christmas is here again!  Times flies they say and in Malaysia, it has been another eventful year.  As I think of December, God bringing to us Christmas’ joy, I see some changes in life during this season.

Covid-19 has become a norm and practically the whole world is open – it is like being set free with the ability to move around and travel abroad.  In Malaysia, many are still rejoicing over the fact that there will be a change in the government, praying that it would be better – again like a freedom or deliverance into a new era.

Christmas has been here for more than 2000 years and it has been a message of deliverance and hope through the ages.  What is it to me?  How do I feel afresh the mood of Christmas especially that which pertains to my Christian life and journey?

In 2 Samuel 22:17-20, David wrote;

17 He sent from on high, he took me; he drew me out of many waters.
18 He rescued me from my strong enemy, from those who hated me,  for they were too mighty for me.
19 They confronted me in the day of my calamity, but the Lord was my support.
20 He brought me out into a broad place; he rescued me, because he delighted in me.

This is part of a long song that David wrote after his deliverance from the enemies and from the hand of Saul.  How often we break into a song, or compose a song of praise for the good things that the Lord has done for us.
 

• DELIVERANCE - it must come from God

The first two verses speak of deliverance that comes from God alone - it was beyond the scope of man.  David described it as being rescued from the deep waters and from enemies that are too strong  for him.

There are indeed times in my life that I was helpless that only a divine intervention can make it possible that I could be delivered.  

May this word comfort those who may feel that situation seems hopeless and are left helpless.  Our God can and will deliver us.  Christmas is about the act of God coming into the world to ultimately deliver us from the bondage and the hold of sin.
 

• DWELLING - it comes from within

This next word spoke of the confrontation of disaster and God becomes his support.  Applying that in our lives today, we have the indwelling presence of God from within.  This is where our comfort lies: while we are not spared from the crises of life or disaster confronting us, we have the presence of God within us - never to leave us nor forsake us.

May we focus on the indwelling of Christ within us who walks with us in every phase of our walk in life.  After all, one of the names of Jesus is Emmanuel, which means “God with us.”  Christmas is about the Christ who indwells us today.  Ironically, with Christ in our lives, every day becomes Christmas to us.
 

• DELIGHT - because God takes delight in us

The Last note of David in these 4 verses is the word delight - David said that God rescued him because he takes delight in him.  Of course, we all know that God loves us all, but sometimes we are not much of a delight to Him.  David expounded that delight in the following verses from verse 21 onwards.  Briefly, he walks in the ways of God and does not reject the decree of God - living a blameless life and keeping a distance from sin.

Not that we do not sin as we know that even David sinned but David has never rejected the ways and commands of God nor will he ever disagree with God's decree.  If he fell, he acknowledges - not justifies, if he sinned, he repented - not stubborn.  That is why David is called a man after God's own heart. 

Conclusion
This month’s theme for Christmas is “Christmas To Us”.  It is about God coming to us and living among us and dwelling within us.  We are the reason why He came.  May we treasure this message and transfer the message to others.  Blessed Christmas to all of you, my dear brothers and sisters!