Dear Assemblies of God Family,

A Blessed Christmas to All of You and your Loved Ones

“Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them. (Luke 2:8-12)

This Christmas is of greater significant to the world and the Church like never before. While the world is still trying to recover from the impact of the Covid Pandemic, we were faced with the war at Ukraine and recently, the Hamas Israeli war. Rumours of trade wars, regional conflicts, domestic politics, etc are very unnerving.

We are indeed living in an ever darkening world. But God did not clean up the world for the birth of Jesus. It was dark days for Israel. (Luke 2:1) and the journey to deliver Baby Jesus into the world was not easy nor convenient either. (Luke 2:4-7)

Let us remember, God’s will and plans for our lives and churches are not hindered by darkness or challenges. The Bible tells us Jesus was right on time. Gal 4:4 “…when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son…” He always shows up even in time of dire crisis when there was no, “room” for the Son of God.

Let us remember, the coming of Jesus Christ our Saviour was not a political solution or a man-made idea to help an ailing world. It’s a divine plan and the entire resource of heaven stands with you. The first carolers and praise party to welcome of the Son of God into our world was perfect, angelic, glorious and all inclusive.

Gabriel declared to Mary, “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” (Matt 1:23)

May you, your loved ones and congregation experience the empowering Presence of God that assure you of His great love.

May the revelation of the Christ Child brings a great level and experience of worship in to your heart and congregation

May divine joy flood your souls with greater strength and move you to share the Good News, that Christ, our Saviour is born.

Have a Blessed Christmas Season!

Rev Ong Sek Leang and  

The Executive Committee of the Assemblies of God Malaysia