A King is born, A Son is given

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

Every day we have seen the King of kings, the Son of God born into the hearts of many people when they receive and accept Christ. This is often referred to as the “Born Again” experience. It is not a rebirth or reincarnation. To Nicodemus, Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). There are a few aspects of the notion “Born Again” we can try to understand.

• Born as sons or children of God into the Kingdom of God (John 1:12; 3:5).
  
  
• Born of the Spirit (John 3:6).
  
  
• Born into eternal life (John 3:16).
  
  
• Born out of condemnation (John 3:17).

How can this “Born Again” experience be possible? It is only possible when one has Faith and believe in Jesus Christ. But Faith only comes from the hearing of the Word of God (Rom 10:17). How can one hear the Word of God, unless someone is willing to share the Word of God? How can one share the Word of God unless someone reads and learns of the Word of God? How can one learn of the Word of God, unless someone translates the Word of God into his language? How can one translate the Word of God, unless there are people who go and people who donate and give to the work of translation?

The process of Bible translation is a tedious, time-consuming, costly and manpower consuming affair. Each Bible will take many years to translate. We thank God for the past translators who have made it possible for us to read and own a Bible of our language. There are still many tribes and people groups who do not yet have a Bible of their own languages. Every time when we read our Bible, please ponder and say a prayer for those yet to have a Bible in their languages and consider donating to the work of translation, if possible join the translation teams. In South East Asia and many other nations, there are still many people groups without a Bible in their own language.

Can we help some people to experience the “Born Again” experience through the hearing of the Word of God in their own languages?

Have we forgotten our own “Born Again” experience? Can we renew it as Apostle John called it “The first Love”?

In the midst of all the busy-ness with decorations, activities, dinners, festivities, celebrations, fellowshipping, getting together parties, there is always a fear of leaving the main person, Jesus Christ, out of the fun and celebration. This Christmas, the celebration of the coming of Jesus Christ, is the best time and season for us to renew our first Love for our Lord Jesus Christ and make sure He is still being invited to our hearts, homes and our daily lives.

Wishing you a Blessed and meaningful Christmas and a Happy New Year ahead with the King of kings and Lord of lords, our Lord Jesus Christ.

Archbishop Moon Hing
Primate of South East Asia