Christmas – The Most International of Events

By Gregg Boll, Executive Director of Missions

One of the characteristics of our Association that I derive the greatest joy from is how diverse we are.  We partner and serve alongside churches from every continent on the globe.  The beautiful truth about Christmas that rings out each year is that Jesus was born as a Savior and gift to the whole world.  After saving Cornelius, being from a radically different culture than his own, Peter finally learns experientially the truth of the gospel that God is no respecter of persons, He shows no partiality in who He chooses to save.  He has no favorites and so loves the world of people from every nation, tongue and tribe that He is willing to give His one and only Son as an atonement for their sins. (Acts 10:34)

Consider the international nature of the announcement of Christ’s birth:

⁸ In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock at night. ⁹ And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood near them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. ¹⁰ And so the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy WHICH SHALL BE FOR ALL PEOPLE; ¹¹ for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.   (Luke 2)

Because of what happened in Bethlehem of Judea 2000 years ago, a great movement of God in the world was set in motion that has transformed the history of the world more than any other single event.  This movement, embodied in the Church and empowered by its message, the gospel is so perennial and worldwide in scope that you and I are still celebrating it over two millennia later.

Jesus’ birth and entrance into this world became the greatest gift to every person from every nation, tongue and tribe.  There is no tribe, no people group, no ethnicity upon the face of this earth that He doesn’t know and love, or for whom He didn’t die.  John makes the all-encompassing statement, “He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.”  Isaiah’s prophesy is fulfilled that “The people who walk in darkness will see a great light.”

Whatever your ethnicity, if we were to trace our family lineage and DNA far enough back we would find that we are all related to our common forefather named Noah, ye even seven generations further back to Adam for that matter.  Which is exactly what Paul tells the philosophers on Mars Hill in Athens when he is trying to convey to them Who this unknown God is. (Acts 17:22-27).  He says, “The God who made the world and everything that is in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made by hands; ²⁵ nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all people life and breath and all things; ²⁶ and He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation,”

That’s who we are dear brothers and sisters.  It may seem like we are radically different and unfamiliar with each other because of our diverse ethnicity and cultures, but according to the Scriptures we really aren’t that far apart.  We have a common creator, the Lord Jesus, we have a common problem, sin; and we have a common Redeemer, Savior and Friend Who is the Lord, Jesus.  Our shared identity in Christ by faith trumps race every time.

So, this Christmas, enjoy and savor the unique cultural traditions of how you celebrate Jesus’ birth.  But as you do, remember that you are a part of a larger family who are related eternally by our faith in the Lord, Jesus.  And remember, that there are still so many who desperately need to hear the good news that to those who believe on His name, He gives the right, the power and entitlement to become children of God (John 1:12).  This Christ who was born so long ago in Bethlehem really was a gift to the whole world, not just for some.  “For behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; For today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.