The Christian faith is over 2000 years old but from the time of its inception the church has faced brutal opposition and persecution.
Jesus
Sadly, many people identify Christmas with Santa Claus and the Christmas tree while Christmas is actually about the birth of the Saviour of this world. It’s time we restored the true significance of Christmas. As an anonymous writer wrote, we need to remind the world about a man born more than 2000 years ago, contrary to the laws of life. About how this man lived in poverty and was reared in obscurity. He did not travel extensively, crossing the boundary of the country in which he lived only once.
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He possessed neither wealth nor influence. His relatives were inconspicuous and had neither training nor education. In infancy, He startled a King, in childhood, He puzzled doctors, in manhood, He ruled the course of nature, walking upon billows as if they were pavements and hushing the sea to sleep. He healed the multitudes, without medicines and made no charge for His services.
He never wrote a book, yet all the libraries of the world could not hold the books that have been written about Him. He never wrote a song-but He has furnished the theme for more songs than all the songwriters combined. He never marshalled an army, drafted a soldier or fired a gun- yet no leader has ever had more volunteers who under His orders have made more rebels stack arms and surrender without firing a shot. Every seventh day, the wheels of commerce cease their turning and multitudes wend their way as worshipping assemblies to pay homage and respect to Him. Names of past proud statesmen of Greece and Rome have come and gone, and I’m sure that the names of the present proponents of hatred will come and go in like manner, but the name of this Man abounds more and more.
Herod could not kill Him, Satan could not seduce Him, death could not destroy Him and the grave could not hold Him. He stands forth upon the highest pinnacle of heavenly glory –proclaimed of God, acknowledged by angels, adored by saints, and feared by devils. I am sure you know whom I am talking about. He is a friend of sinners, father of the oppressed, and Saviour of the world...Lord Jesus Christ - God’s greatest gift to all mankind and the Reason for this Season. Whenever I share this beautiful description, I am filled with awe about the Majesty of our Lord Jesus Christ and His Promise that He will never leave us nor forsake us.
The Christian faith is over 2000 years old but from the time of its inception the church has faced brutal opposition and persecution. Even to this day the Church in many parts of the world still undergoes horrendous suffering and suppression. Yet it is amazing to reflect on the fact that while the Church has endured much hardship, it continues to thrive and grow. No matter how many Churches are destroyed, no matter how many Christians are murdered, no matter how many Bibles have been burnt, the Church’s persecutors, be they the Romans of the Ancient world or the totalitarian regimes of the modern era, have never been able to extinguish her.
Despite the relentless attacks mounted against it, the Church has stood for over two thousand years! Clearly there is something supernatural sustaining the Church. Its foundation is not in the material things of this world, but it is founded upon Christ who has transcended the world. Sometimes when we undergo unwarranted host because of our witness for Christ and are overwhelmed by the opposition against us, we may wonder if there is truly victory through Christ. We may feel that His Word fails to resonate with people today, and that His Truth is being drowned by deceptions and injustice. But as history has proven, persecutions may come and go, yet His Word will remain firm.
The foundation of the Church is not a building, neither is it found in the numbers who enter its doors. It is founded entirely on Christ. Therefore, the victory of His truth is assured and nothing will be able to hinder the realization of Christ’s ultimate goal for the entire world to be reconciled to its Creator. When we have allied ourselves with Christ, personally accepting His redemptive sacrifice for us and allowing Him to work in our hearts, we can rest knowing that while the world may try to silence us, Christ will always emerge triumphant.
According to government statistics Christians comprise round about just 2.5 per cent of India’s demographics, a statistic that has remained more or less unchanged since. Despite being a miniscule, when it comes to serving the marginalised sections of our beloved nation India, our contribution remains substantial. We all agree that in any cuisine, salt is the least ingredient used. Without salt any dish is tasteless and insipid. Likewise, although the Christian community in our nation is just a miniscule yet our presence adds value and flavour to the Indian society by actively engaging in transforming lives and fulfilling our commission as the salt of the earth. Our educational, medical and health care institutions along with other socio- economic advancements are a testament to our contribution to our great nation.
It is with this assurance our Christmas message this year is that the peace-loving Christian community has chosen to transform the arena of war and persecution into a platform of showcasing the virtues of Christ which hold together a society presently torn apart by strife and contention. When we are hated, persecuted and victimised we will continue to respond with love, forgiveness and reconciliation.
Finally, I take this opportunity to wish each one of you a blessed Christmas and a prosperous 2025.
(This article was authored by Dr Abraham Mathai who is Mumbai-based former Vice Chairman, Maharashtra State Minorities Commission)
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