The grace of Christmas

John 1:14
December 25th 2022, 4th Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

The Word that is God (Jesus) was born as flesh on this earth. What is the grace that this wonderful fact tells us about?

The first is that God loves us. He created us and gave us life, and sees us as precious and valuable beings. That is why he (Jesus) gave up his equality with God, and was born as a human in order to save us.

The second is that God gives us the best. In order to save us, who are sinners, from perishing, He even gave His one and only, precious begotten Son (Jesus) to us. He gave us the supreme one. He will give us the best continously in the future too.

The third is that God is with us. The God of glory (Jesus) came to this sinful world and walked together with us. Even now, he still walks with us who are saved, in every moment of our lives.

God has given us wonderful grace at Christmas, and He is still giving it to us today. Though we are apt to be in a hurry, let us be still before the Lord, welcome Him into the center of our hearts, and receive His grace!

<The Verse of the Bible>

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.
We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:14 (NIV)

In unexpected and fearful situations

Luke 1:26-38, 46-50
December 18th 2022, 3rd Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

Mary was suddenly told by the angel that she would conceive by the Holy Spirit. It was a fearful situation that could have resulted in a divorce or even the death penalty. But she surrendered to God and praised Him in the midst of it. How are we able to walk in such a way?

The first is to believe that God will surely fulfill what He has said. If we do not have this belief, we will feel anxious. However, if we are certain that what God has said will surely be fulfilled, we can have peace and praise God.

The second is to be aware that we are the servants of God and to walk with that determination. Mary was not only humble and aware that she was a servant of God, but also she was determined to walk lastingly in obedience as His servant.

The third is to remember God's plan and to see the vision that lies ahead. She saw not only herself, but also the blessings which are given to her would extend further. Therefore, she was able to rejoice and praise God.

In this season of Christmas, let us walk in faith like Mary, praising the Lord even in the midst of unexpected and fearful circumstances!

<The Verse of the Bible>

And Mary said:
"My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

Luke 1:46-47 (NIV)

To be free from anxieties

Philippians 4:6-7
December 11th 2022, 2nd Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

When we face various problems, we tend to be anxious about them. How can we walk free from our anxieties?

The first is to recognize our anxieties as sins and trust in God with one heart. Anxieties lead us to deny the Word of God. It is a state of mind divided into several parts. Instead, it is important to unite our hearts and trust in God and His promises.

The second is to pray to God and make our requests known to Him. What we should have in mind then is to pray in all cases, and to pray with thanksgiving to the Lord. Lack of gratitude to God causes grumbling and disbelief. But thanksgiving to God develops faith in God.

When we walk in this way, trusting in the Lord, the peace of God will guard our hearts. We can walk in peace, being free from any worries or fears. With Christmas just around the corner, let us walk in the peace of the Lord!

<The Verse of the Bible>

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)

The church of hope

1 Timothy 3:15
December 4th 2022, 1st Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

A baptismal ceremony will be held today and two sisters will be added to our church. A church is a gathering of those whom the Lord has called and is a most blessed place of hope.

Firstly, God's Word of truth is preached at church. The wisdom and knowledge of this world is important, but it is the Word of God that secures us, guides us correctly, and strengthens us. It is in the church that the Word of God is preached, observed, and shared.

Secondly, there is encouragement among the family of God at church. The church is the body of Christ, and we are the parts of it. There is not a single part that is unnecessary, and all of them are precious. We need to respect, greet, and encourage one another.

Thirdly, we are allowed to grow spiritually by God at church. The church is a place to practice love and practice giving. When we give, the Lord makes us grow spiritually. We become more like Jesus.

Let us be firmly connected to this place of hope, the church. And especially at this time of Christmas, let us invite unsaved souls to the church!

<The Verse of the Bible>

if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.

1 Timothy 3:15 (NIV)