23 December 2007 8AM
Apostle Jan Oosthuizen

The True meaning of Christmas

Phil 2:5-9

The true meaning of Christmas is that we celebrate that God became Man.There are 3 principles that we adhere to:
1: God became Man
2: He died and was crucified on a cross for our sins
3: He was raised from the dead.
These are the 3 fundamentals of Christianity. If we don't believe this, we are not part of the same team.

There are different classes in society, and there is racism within those classes. There is racism between different classes of white people: the rich and the poor, the poor and middle class etc.
This also exists in the brown community, as well as in the black communities. Certain tribes don't socialize with other tribes.

Jesus set aside the privileges of deity, and took on the status of a slave, becoming human.
Practically explained: it is like the president of a country coming to your house, one day, and says that he's given up his term of presidency of his country, and all the privileges that goes along with it, and have come to serve you. We wouldn't know what to do with him.
This is similar to how it must have been for God to come to us in human form with all its limitations. He created the universe with 1 word – and it is still being created.
Jesus was as human as we are. He experienced life as we experience it, with all the pressures and temptations. He had several smaller siblings whom He had to take care of and baby-sit.

Heb 4:14-16
We have a high priest who understands, because He was human.
Boldly: to speak at ease. To speak to someone who you really like. God allows us to speak to Him as a man.
We come to the throne of grace to obtain 2 things: mercy and grace. What is the difference between the 2?

Mercy means: kindness, understanding, compassion. God has understanding. He knows what we're going through and what we face.

Grace means: the power unto. God gives you the power unto holiness, to overcome.
If we can overcome sin by pure will power, why would we need Jesus?

It's the Holy Spirit who works in us not to sin, and that gives us the power to overcome. The life we live, we live by faith in the Son of God.

The true essence of Christmas is the fact that God became flesh, and has understanding. He knows what we go through. God is not a man in the sense that He acts like a man!

We obtain grace by humbling ourselves. He uplifts those who humble themselves.
Rom 7:24,25 – 8:1
There is no condemnation to those who are in Christ.

Have Christmas different. Invite someone who doesn't have anywhere to go. Reach out those who are alone. Break the race and class barrier.
Jesus gave up His family (in heaven) and came to earth to be a slave to humanity. He humbled Himself to that point.

As parents, raise the standard by asking your children forgiveness if you have hurt or offended them in any way. Do the same with your spouse. If you can fight in front of your children, then you should be able to make up in front of them.
Have communion at Christmas. Do it His way. Celebrate His death and resurrection.

The church is the answer to racism, for in Christ, we are all one. There is no separation. There is no class.
Raise the standard, show respect to everyone, no matter of their class.