The Meaning of Christmas | Dec 2020 E-magazine of The Christian Messenger

THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER Christmas Gifts for Mission Field Workers

INDIA’S EVANGELICAL NEWS MAGAZINE Vol. 17, No. 6 | DECEMBER, 2020 | Rs.20/-

www.christianmessenger.in |

facebook.com/christian.messenger

DON’T MISS THE CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS He’s the reason for your being!

1

I have set the LORD always before me – Psalm 16:8

BLUE WATER Gifts & Novelties

HOLY GARDEN BIBLE CENTRE

Gifts, Toys, Fancy Items & Fashion Jewellery

CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR SALE

AH Block, New No:131. Old No:25, Shanthi Colony Main Road, Anna Nagar, Chennai - 600 040.

Mob: +91 98407 55505, Phone: +91 44 42060801 Email: anbluewater@gmail.com, abdha25@hotmail.com

« Bible All Languages « Paamalai Keerthanai « All Christian DVD « Mp3, ACD, VCD « Stickers « Wall Text & Wall Clock

« Song Books « Spiritual Books « Keychain & Pen « Lamination Board « Gift Articles « Communion Things

https://www.ChristianMessenger.in

Shop No. 22, Ground Floor, Yes Yes Arcade Complex, #66, M.T.H. Road, Ambattur, Chennai - 600 053. E-mail: holygardenbiblecentre@gmail.com

Visit The Christian Messenger website for news, views & interviews that matter to you!

K. Prem Jebakumar, 98410 88610 / 97101 04488

Partner with Messenger Missions

Help us reach the unreached!

CHRISTMAS is that time of the year to reflect on the grace of God, the goodness of the life He has given us and be grateful for His kindness more than ever. As a kind gesture, would you want to help us out with some of these project outreaches given below? Remember, Christmas is also the time of the year to be generous in our giving. He who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully, God has promised. (2 Cor. 9:6).

Christmas Gifts for mission field workers Every year we have striven to provide Christmas allowances to our mission field and office staff workers. This year, by the end of November we are planning to give our co-workers Christmas allowances that would take care of their holiday expenses along with some money to organize Christmas outreaches in their mission fields.

Woolen Clothes Like in the past years, this year also we are in need of woolen clothes for people living in our mission fields. We are looking at offering woolen clothes such as shawls, sweaters and blankets to as many as 1,000 people across Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha.

Lockdown Relief Kits: A relief kit consists of 15 items including 5 kilos of rice and other essentials such as cooking oil, tea powder, spices, pulses, sugar, salt, tooth paste, a bath soap and a detergent soap. A relief kit costs Rs.1,000/- If you are led by God to help the less privileged people in the society, you can make your donations & offerings to Messenger Missions.

Please use the account details given alongside to send your donations and offerings. You can call us or email us with the details of the project you are sponsoring with your sacrificial contributions.

Phone: 0-72990633345 / 7299063347.

Email: missions@christianmessenger.in DECEMBER 2020

2

A/C Name A/C No Account Type Bank Name Branch / Code IFS code Swift code

: Messenger Missions : 913020055473409 : Current : Axis Bank : Mogappair, Chennai (345) : UTIB0000345 : AXISINBB016

THE MESSAGE

How to Understand the Meaning of Christmas? came to fulfill the Law and the prophecies. In the Old Testament, the birth of Jesus and his atoning death were prophecies. In the New Testament, they became a reality. All of the Old Testament pointed to Jesus Christ. That’s why He said: ‘You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me’ (John 5:39). And again in verse 46 He said: ‘For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me; for he wrote about Me.’ All the promises of God in the Old Testament were fulfilled in Jesus Christ. That’s why Apostle Paul said in 2 Corinthians 1:20: ‘For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.’

The Law of God given through Moses was perfectly kept only by Christ. All those who strove to keep the Law before and after Christ failed. He took all of the wrath of God upon Himself on Calvary.

Jesus Christ is the mediator. Mathew Henry wrote: ‘Out of Christ, God is a consuming fire, but in Christ, a reconciled Father. This is the sum of the gospel, which we must by faith cheerfully embrace.’

The Law now says: Look to Christ for your righteousness for your works aside of Him will fail.

While talking about how and why Israel needs to hear the Gospel of Christ, Apostle Paul wrote: ‘For

BY ROBIN SAM ASK a group of Christians the meaning of Christmas and you would get various answers. To some Christmas is about mirth and gaiety. To others Christmas is an occasion to share. To a few others, Christmas means choir and carols, Christmas trees and Santa Claus, plum cakes and puddings, red wine and lots of meat. Depending on your upbringing and what you had been exposed to as a child, an adolescent or adult, your perception of Christmas may change.

To the Bible-believing Christians, the meaning of Christmas is not a mystery. Nor is it too hard to find.

If you open your Bible and read it with a seeker’s heart, God will reveal Himself to you. Hallelujah!

To understand God’s purpose for the birth of Jesus Christ, you need not look further than what Jesus Himself said about why He came into the world.

Jesus Himself said several times in the Bible why He came into the world. You can call them the mission statements of Jesus Christ. We will examine Jesus Christ came to fulfill the Law “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill" (Matthew 5:17).

What does that mean? The Law and the Prophets were the equivalent of the Old Testament. And, Jesus

17th YEAR OF PUBLISHING

Evangelism Through Journalism

Vol. 17, No. 6

SUBSCRIPTION RATES

THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER

Annual: Rs.240/- | 5 Years: Rs.1,200/Patron’s: Rs.10,000/-

INDIA’S EVANGELICAL NEWS MAGAZINE

THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER is supported only by subscriptions and advertisements. Please consider prayerfully supporting this media ministry through your subscriptions and advertisements.

Online Portal: www.christianmessenger.in | Email: christianmessengerindia@gmail.com

Page 14

DECEMBER, 2020

The purpose of the news magazine is to report newsworthy religious events and activities within the local community, nationwide and around the world, to increase the awareness and activism of believers regarding the moral issues of today, to provide thought-provoking commentary, and to provide an effective advertising vehicle for Christian ministries and organizations, events and businesses that want to reach the Christian community. - Editor

ADVERTISEMENT TARIFF COLOR PAGES

Managing Editor: Robin Sam Editor & Publisher: Elsy Robin

TELEPHONE: Office: 044-26541398 (9 am to 6 pm; Mon-Fri) Advertisements & Subscriptions: 0-72990 63345 / 72990 63347 Prayer Support: 0-7299100771 (9 am to 9 pm)

Centre Spread Centre Pages Front cover Back cover Inside Front Cover Inside Back Cover

:Rs.20,000/: Rs.8,000/:Rs.12,000/:Rs.10,000/:Rs.9,000/:Rs.8,000/-

Inside Pages

:Rs.7,000/-

BLACK & WHITE PAGES Full page :Rs.3,000/Half page :Rs.2,000/Quarter page :Rs.1,500/Mini Display :Rs. 800/(Effective from Jan 2019)

Page Sponsorship: Rs. 3,000/-

E-mail id: christianmessengerindia@gmail.com or ads@christianmessenger.in Ph: 044-26541398 / 0-7299063345 / 7299063347

(Readers are advised to make thorough enquiries before acting on any advertisements. This magazine does not necessarily agree to the claims or representations made by any advertiser.)

Website: www.christianmessenger.in Email: contact@christianmessenger.in

ADDRESS FOR COMMUNICATION

The Christian Messenger, 20/20, Bharathiar Street, Srinivasa Nagar, Padi, Chennai 600 050.

3

DECEMBER 2020 w THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER

THE MESSAGE Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes’ (Romans 10:4).

The message of Christmas is this: Not only Israel, everyone who is alive on earth needs to hear the Gospel. You cannot work out your own salvation by your works. Christ has already opened the way of salvation for you through His death. Simply believe it, accept that you need a Savior, receive Him into your heart and confess that Jesus Christ is indeed Lord. ‘...if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved’ (Romans 10:9).

Jesus Christ came to bring light to a dark world ‘I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness’ (John 12:46).

Darkness is symbolic of the gross evils of the world. Those who live in the sin are said to be in darkness. Jesus’ statement that He came into the world as light so we may not remain in darkness was the fulfillment of a prophecy made in Isaiah.

‘I, the Lord, have called You in righteousness, and will hold Your hand; I will keep You and give You as a covenant to the people, as a light to the Gentiles’ (Isaiah 42:6).

When Jesus left Nazareth for Capernaum, Apostle Matthew records another one of Isaiah’s prophecies came true. ‘The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned’ (Matthew 4:16).

The Gentile world is still in darkness in our times.

If you doubt this, please read Romans 1:18-32. All the vices Apostle Paul mentions there still abound around us.

The light is not shined upon all, only those who believe on Him. Charles Spurgeon, the prince of preachers, once preached: ‘Some souls are in greater darkness than others. For those who are in a worse condition than others there is hope and light. In barbarous nations Christ has won great victories. In the worst hearts Christ has dawned. When these have beheld the light, they frequently become eminently useful to others. The conversion of the deplorably dark brings the highest degree of glory to God.’ The message of Christmas is not one of the lights that we hang on the Christmas trees or tie on our doors, it is Jesus Christ, the light of the world. The message we need to repeat to everyone without Christ around is this: ‘You need not live in darkness, misery, guilt, shame and hopelessness anymore.

Come to Jesus. He will transform your life.’

THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER w DECEMBER 2020

Jesus Christ came to give eternal life ‘I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh’ (John 6:51).

‘And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son’ (1 John 5:11).

With each passing year, the message of Christmas should get louder and clearer. We need to tell those around us that the things they believe in will not help them in the day of trouble. The world as we know it is changing every day. The polities of the nations are changing, the rules of banking institutions are changing and the morals of every community is changing. What we once believed as rock solid, durable and unchangeable is all turning to be dross, dust and corrupt.

‘And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever’ (1 John 2:17).

When change has become the only constant, the Bible asks us to fix our eyes not on that which is worldly but that which is eternal.

‘As we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal’ (2 Corinthians 4:18).

How does one get this eternal life? ‘And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent’ (John 17:3).

That’s the true meaning of Christmas. Our trust is in the One who fulfilled the Law and the Prophets.

We have been translated to light from a world of darkness. Our story does not end with this world. We have another world that is prepared for us. New heaven and new earth awaits those who are in Christ.

That’s an everlasting promise!

4

Website: www.christianmessenger.in Email: contact@christianmessenger.in

DEVOTIONAL

The sin of ingratitude “For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.” – Romans 1:21.

WHEN you’re ungrateful, you’re not concentrating on the good aspects of your life, leaving you resentful and even angry. You’re scanning for what’s missing, making choices based on what is lacking rather than what you have to work with, which can really go against your path to true happiness.

Research conducted by the Harvard Business Review analyzed the effects of anger on decisionmaking, concluding that holding onto resentment and anger throughout the day will poison choices made and actions taken.

The practice of gratitude allows you to step back from anger, fear, hurt – all those emotions that can really cloud judgment. By concentrating on the elements you are thankful for (no matter how small), you are giving your mind the best to chance to thrive and be fuelled by positive, inspiring energy.

We need to be grateful for all the Lord has given us. Today in prayer, confess any sin of ingratitude and be thankful to the Lord.

“Ingratitude is always a kind of weakness. I have never seen that clever men have been ungrateful.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe God’s Word: “People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy” – 2 Timothy 3:2.

Two doses of Covid vaccine may cost INR 1000 VACCINE maker Serum Institute of India’s CEO Adar Poonawalla said the Oxford Covid-19 vaccine should be available for healthcare workers and elderly people by around February 2021 and by April for the general public.

The vaccine is expected to be priced at a maximum of Rs 1,000 for two necessary doses for the public. The final rate will depend on the final trial results and regulatory approvals.

Poonawalla said he hoped every Indian will get vaccinated by 2024, according to a PTI report.

“It will probably take two or three years for every Indian to get inoculated, not just because of the supply constraints but because you need the budget, the vaccine, logistics, infrastructure and then, people should be willing to take the vaccine. So these are the factors that lead up to being able to vaccinate 80-90 per cent of the population.

“It will be 2024 for everybody, if willing to take a two-dose vaccine, to be vaccinated,” Poonawalla said.

“The government of India will be getting it at a far cheaper price at around USD 3-4, because it will be buying in a large volume and get access to the price that is similar to what COVAX has got. We are still Website: www.christianmessenger.in Email: contact@christianmessenger.in

pricing it far cheaper and more affordable than other vaccines we have in the market today,” Poonawalla said.

Asked about the efficacy of the vaccine, he said the Oxford-Astrazeneca vaccine is so far proving to work very well even in elderly people, which was a concern earlier.

“It has induced a good T-cell response, which is an indicator for your long-term immunity and antibody response but then again, time will only tell if these vaccines are going to protect you in the long term.

Nobody can answer that for any of the vaccines today,” Poonawalla said.

5

DECEMBER 2020 w THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER

THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER w DECEMBER 2020

6

Website: www.christianmessenger.in Email: contact@christianmessenger.in

NEWS

Palestinian Authority says will resume coordination with Israel THE Palestinian Authority (PA) will resume coordination with Israel that it suspended in May in response to an Israeli plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank, Al Jazeera said quoting a senior Palestinian official.

Hussein al-Sheikh, the PA’s civil affairs minister and close aide to President Mahmoud Abbas, tweeted recently that “the relationship with Israel will return to how it was” following “official written and oral letters we received” confirming Israel’s commitment to past agreements.

Abbas announced in May that the Palestinians would no longer be bound by any past agreements signed with Israel and suspend all coordination with it, including cooperation on security matters.

Al Jazeera’s Harry Fawcett, reporting from West Jerusalem, said the decision puts in jeopardy some of the PA's efforts towards reconciliation with other Palestinian factions. “[Palestinian group] Hamas and others have criticised this move, saying that it is going back to cooperating with [an] occupying power,” Fawcett said. “The talk of possible reconciliation, possible elections on the Palestinian side now appears less likely.”

The move came as Israel was preparing to annex up to a third of the West Bank, including all of its farflung illegal settlements, as part of a plan unveiled earlier this year by United States President Donald Trump, one of the many controversial policies of his

administrations that favour Israel.

Palestinians said the annexation plan would make a two-state solution impossible. Interim peace accords signed in the 1990s envisaged the creation of a Palestinian state alongside Israel.

Annexation was put on hold in August when the United Arab Emirates agreed to normalise relations with Israel, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the pause was only temporary.

Bahrain and Sudan followed suit, also breaking with a long-standing pan-Arab position, which had demanded Israeli withdrawal from already illegally occupied territory and the acceptance of Palestinian statehood in return for normal relations with Arab countries.

The Palestinians have denounced these agreements as a “stab in the back” and a betrayal of their cause.

India, Israel ready to roll out 30-second Corona virus detection test A 30-second coronavirus detection test being developed jointly by India and Israel is being calibrated by the Israel team after testing was completed in India, The Jerusalem Post reported.

Quoting a source at the Indian Embassy in Israel, the news report said an announcement will soon be made, and the tests will be mass produced.

The calibrations are said to be in their last leg.

The detection test could be a game-changer, according to some Israeli sources quoted by the Post.

The test should be ready in “a matter of days,” and “all thresholds have been passed,” Israeli Ambassador to India Ron Malka told the Press Trust of India news agency last month.

“It will be good news for the entire world,” he said.

Israel had sent a senior-level delegation from the Directorate of Defense Research and Development

to India in July to develop the new and rapid coronavirus tests in cooperation with their Indian counterparts, who were treating Indian coronavirus patients.

Send your feedback to this issue at christianmessengerindia@gmail.com Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/christian.messenger Twitter: www.twitter.com/christmessenger Website: www.christianmessenger.in Email: contact@christianmessenger.in

7

DECEMBER 2020 w THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER

How to live a joyful life “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.” – Psalm 136:1 BRENNAN Manning was an American author, a Roman Catholic priest who left the priesthood, and the life of a public speaker. He is best known for his bestselling book “The Ragamuffin Gospel”.

He led spiritual retreats for people of all ages and backgrounds and traveled extensively in the U.S. and abroad to share the good news of the unconditional love of God. On the subject of gratitude, Brennan wrote: “I believe that the real difference in the American church is not between conservatives and liberals, fundamentalists and charismatics, or Republicans and Democrats. The real difference is between the aware and the unaware.

“When somebody is aware of the love that the Father has for Jesus, that person is spontaneously grateful. Cries of thankfulness become the dominant characteristic of the interior life, and the byproduct of gratitude is joy. We’re not joyful and then become grateful—we’re grateful, and that makes us joyful.”

Let this day be the beginning of a full, joyful life.

Today in prayer, give thanks to the Lord for He is good.

“That ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.”

Jude 3.

Shalom Baptist Bible College & Theological Seminary (A Ministry of “Shalom Biblical Baptist Church”) A Biblical; Independent; Autonomous; Bible Believing; Baptist; Local New Testament Church Based Ministry that stands without apology on the Word of God; Earnestly contending for the faith which was once delivered unto saints & committed to doing God’s work, God’s way.

Shalom Baptist Bible College & Theological Seminary, has ventured out to introduce Correspondence course & continued Biblical education in English Language.

We offer 3 years; Bachelor Degree in Bible Education (B. B. S) course is FREE of COST. Students from any part of India can approach & enrol in the Bible College for FREE BIBLE EDUCATION. Course is offered in a modular program. Only purchase of Doctrinal Booklets & postal expenditure has to be taken care by the interested candidate periodically. After completion of answering to the questioner, we evaluate.

Every year in the month of April our Convocation will be held. After the completion of the course an invitation well be sent for the graduating candidates for the conviction.

THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER w DECEMBER 2020

8

For applications and additional information, please contact the mobile number or address below.

Mr. Elijah Kumar 317/3; 8Th Cross; 8th Block; Kormangala; Bangalore – 560095 Karnataka – INDIA. Mobile No: +919741785542 (WhatsApp) Email: elijahlkumar@gmail.com Website: www.christianmessenger.in Email: contact@christianmessenger.in

INTERVIEW

We can work with Joe Biden for Israel’s benefit: Josh Reinstein

doing enough to rein in Iran. How has the IAF tried to address these legitimate concerns of Israel?

The threat of a nuclear Iran is one of the main issues that the Israel Allies Foundation has focused on over the last decade. This threat is not just against Israel but a major danger for the world at large. The Trump administration has been very involved in stopping Iran and I believe the fact that the US left the terrible JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) agreement is yet another success for faithbased diplomacy.

BY ROBIN SAM OSH Reinstein, director of the Knesset Christian Allies Caucus (KCAC) and president of the Israel Allies Foundation (IAF), is confident that the Israeli caucuses can work along with the new US administration under the President elect Joe Biden and positively affect the US policy in the Middle East in the coming years. He also accepted that the reality of only a handful of Christian parliamentarians in India has impeded the progress of working with the Indian government in favor of Israel. Josh Reinstein was born in Toronto, grew up in Texas and graduated with a degree in political science from the University of Western Ontario. In 1999, he immigrated to Israel. The very next year, Reinstein enlisted in the Israe Defence Forces (IDF). Currently, he owns and operates JSR International Marketing, a marketing and PR firm.

He is also the founder and producer of Israel Now News, a half-hour weekly TV show broadcast around the world. The Reinsteins live in a suburb near Jerusalem. The Christian Messenger interviewed Josh Reinstein. Excerpts from the email interview:

J

As a new administration takes charge in the US, do you think it would be difficult for caucuses of Israel allies to engage the government proactively in the middle east? President Netanyahu had publicly criticized the Obama Administration’s nuclear deal with Iran.

If Joe Biden becomes President I believe the IAF is uniquely positioned to affect US policy in the Middle East. The Congressional Israel Allies Caucus which is one of the 45 Israel Allies Caucuses in our network is the only bi-partisan pro- Israel caucus on Capitol Hill. It is chaired by three One of Israel’s concerns is that Iran may be Republicans and three democrats and its setting up permanent military bases in Syria that membership is almost evenly split. could be used to launch cross-border attacks Your engagement with the Indian government against it. Israeli leaders are also wondering whether the US which is its most important ally is has been minimal. India is the largest purchaser Website: www.christianmessenger.in Email: contact@christianmessenger.in

95

DECEMBER 2020 w THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER

INTERVIEW of Israeli military equipment and in July, 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi became the first ever Indian prime minister to visit Israel. What are the reasons for the low level of engagement with the Indian government and its politicians with regard to support for Israel? Are you uncomfortable with the Indian stand not to antagonize Palestinians in supporting Israel?

We have had a lot of engagement with India at the grass roots level but not much at the governmental level. There is not much of a Christian representation in the Indian government as far as we know so it has impeded our progress. That being said, Prime Minister Modi is one of the most beloved world leaders in Israel. I believe the relationship between our two countries is very strong.

During Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Palestine in February 2018, he said India hoped to see an “independent Palestinian state living in an environment of peace.” What are your views on that?

Prime Minister Modi never visited Palestine because there is no such country. I believe that as time goes on more countries will push for a peace deal based on the Deal of the Century and less based on the Oslo Accords.

The ruling BJP and the Congress party in the opposition have always been cautious in not hurting Arab sentiments while engaging with the nation of Israel. Do you think things would change now that India and Israel are engaged in greater defence and strategic cooperation under the Modi government?

I think there will be change in sentiment, not because of military cooperation but rather because of the development of the Abraham Accords. More and more Arab and Muslim countries are signing peace deals with Israel and I believe that will impact India’s support as well.

in the occupied territories and its treatment of Palestinian refugees. How does the IAF or any other caucuses that it works with attempt to change this perception of Israel as the aggressor?

I believe truth ultimately wins out over deception.

Israel cannot occupy its own land. We are the only free democracy in the Middle East for all its people regardless of race, religion or gender. People who cherish these values will support us and people who don't, will ultimately oppose us.

Do you think Israel ought to comply with international law and the United Nations resolutions and vacate the occupied Palestinian territories of West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem?

Our rights to Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria are well documented from the time of San Remo.

International law is on our side. I wrote a book called Titus, Trump and the Triumph of Israel that details not just our Biblical rights but legal rights to the land for anyone interested in taking a closer look. As for the Gaza Strip, we are no longer there.

We have been replaced by the Hamas terror organization that sends thousands of rockets into Israel's civilian communities and they have also enslaved their own people. They are the only occupiers of Gaza.

India has always advocated that the land of Palestine or the nation of Israel should belong as much to the Palestinians as it does to the Jews. Do you think that has come as a stumbling block in engaging with the Indian politicians?

I think in the past that was a popular position for countries around the world but things have changed.

I believe India will adopt a more balanced position, more in line with Israel’s historic, legal and Biblical rights to its Land.

Israel seems to be suffering in the PR department when it comes to Israeli depredations THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER w DECEMBER 2020

10

Support our media ministry Messenger Communications publishes The Christian Messenger. Its mission is to sow the Word of God and build faith in as many lives as possible and proclaim the Gospel through niche media products and get a generation ready for the Lord’s imminent return.

To send your subscriptions and offerings for the media ministry, please see below: A/C Name A/C No Account Type Bank Branch Branch code IFS code

: Messenger Communications : 030501389547195001 : Current : Catholic Syrian Bank : Padi, Chennai : 305 : CSBK0000305

Please let us know details of your offerings and subscriptions after you make the payment at 0-7299063347 or 7299063345.

It will help us send a receipt to you immediately.

Website: www.christianmessenger.in Email: contact@christianmessenger.in

INDIA REPORTS

Burial or cremation? Sons fight at Christian mother’s death A woman, who had converted to Christianity a few years back, was buried by one of her sons after her death in Maharashtra’s Palghar recently, while her another son who followed Hinduism performed her symbolic cremation, police said.

News18 said the incident took place at Avande village in Wada tehsil of Palghar district in Maharashtra, India, two days ago as a fallout of the dispute between the deceased woman’s two sons, each following Christianity and Hinduism, over the way her last rites should be performed, they said.

“The woman, 65-year-old Fulai Dhabade, died on November 18 night due to old age. She, her husband Mahadu and younger son Sudhan had converted to Christianity a couple of years back, while her elder son Subhash chose to remain a Hindu,” police subinspector Dilip Pawar said.

“After the woman’s death, there was a dispute between the siblings over the way her last rites should be held. An unusual situation arose as each brother insisted that the funeral should be held as per the tradition of the religions they followed,” he said.

Even as a large number of villagers gathered, none of the brothers was ready to back out, Pawar said.

Realising the seriousness of the situation, the ‘Police Patil’ (a mediator between police authorities and villagers) called up the Wada police station and informed the personnel about it.

“Police officer Sudhir Sankhe rushed to the village and held discussions with the family members and it was decided that the deceased woman should be buried as per the Christian tradition,” he said. Accordingly, the body was buried at Pachu island near Vasai.

“However, the other son was not ready to relent.

He held her symbolic cremation by placing a doll on the pyre,” Pawar said.

Christians return to villages 2 months after attacks on homes NEARLY 100 displaced Christians have returned to their home villages two months after they were attacked by a mob of radical Hindu group, according to the Union of Catholic Asian News (UCAN).

The Christians returned to the villages after a court ordered local government officials to provide protection.

On September 22 and 23, Christians from three villages in the Kondagaon district of Chhattisgarh in India were attacked by a mob of nationalists after they refused to recant their Christian faith. The nationalists physically assaulted the Christians in the presence of police and destroyed 16 houses across the three villages.

Approximately 100 Christians were displaced as a result of the violence. Several of the victims filed a Public Interest Litigation suit and the High Court of Bilaspur ordered the Kondagaon district administration to facilitate their safe return.

“We have returned to our villages as the court has ordered our protection,” Shiv Ram, one of the petitioners, told UCAN. “But we don’t feel safe and are still worried about our lives.”

Many Christians still remember how the police stood by and watched as they were attacked in September. Others claim the measure ordered by the district administration will do little to protect them if Website: www.christianmessenger.in Email: contact@christianmessenger.in

violence breaks out again.

Following the court order, the district administration set up a single police check point and posted 12 police officers to insure the safety of the displaced Christians.

Love of Christ Persistent love (He has loved to the end) Portion of love (All things are in His hands) Promise of love (What I am doing...you will know after this) Pattern of love (I have given you an example) Place of love (Jesus’ bosom) Percept of love (Love one another) Power of love (By this all will know) Based on John 13.

11 5

DECEMBER 2020 w THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER

LAST THINGS

Don’t forget the Christ in Christmas

BY ROBIN SAM THIS Christmas will be a lot different from many other Christmases in recent memory.

For one, this Christmas we all have something to be grateful for - our life! Covid-19 has taught us not to take anything for granted. Leave alone life and health (I am not for a second suggesting they are not important), even some of the other things that we presumed were ours for keeps such as a paying job, the joys of travel and visits from friends and family were snatched away from us in the past 9 months.

To say Coronavirus has changed the way we see life would be an understatement. It has altered life and our priorities. It has pushed other communicable diseases to the sidelines. While people with say flu, hepatitis and tuberculosis never lacked an attendant, Covid-19 made it impossible for anyone to be around the patient. The dead were buried without the trappings that we all have to come to accept as customary of an honorable burial service.

What has life taught us in 2020? It has reaffirmed what Apostle James wrote many years ago. “Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is

even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (James 4:13-14).

If this is all there is to life, why do we boast, strut around nose in the air and think we know any better?

Why do we boast about wealth, lineage, denomination and our very own Lilliputian idols?

I thank all our friends, supporters, advertisers, prayer partners, well-wishers and readers for sticking with us through 2020. Here’s to life, hope, joy and faith in the Lord. It is my prayer that you will spend each day of your life as if it were your last on earth, savoring whatever little moments of fun and festivity we get along the way. Above all, don’t forget the Lord of the feast! Yes, don’t forget Christ in Christmas. Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!

United Theological Research University External Studies And Research (An Autonomous Institution of Advanced Theological Education) Recognized by Christian Leadership University & Seminary, New York, U.S.A. & Affiliated & Accredited by University of Berkeley, Chicago. U.S.A. Regd. by A.P Govt. No. 2642 / 1988 & Registered Under Minorities Act. Address: Plot No. 125, Road No. 7, T.M.C. Mahendra Hills, East Marredpally, Secunderabad – 500 026. T.S. S.Inida.

Website: www.UTRUSR.com / E-mail: lankafrancis60@rediffmail.com, deepakfrancis20@gmail.com Contact: 0-98490 62508, 098490 62058, 094902 62508, 099080 62058.

ADMISSIONS ARE OPEN FOR EXTERNAL / CORRESPONDENCE THEOLOGICAL COURSES: C.Th / G.Th / Dipl.Th / B.Th / B.Min / B.D / B.MISS / B.B.A. in Th / BA in Th / B.Com in Th / B.C.A. in Th / M.Th / M.Min / M.Div / M.Miss / M.Com in Th / M.A. in Th / M.B.A in Th / M.C.A.in Th / D.Div / D.Min / D.Miss / D.Th / D. Com in Th / Doctor in Accountancy in Theology / Doctor in Religious Philosophy / Doctor in preaching for Christ / Doctor in social Services in Christianity / Doctor in Church Establishment / Doctor in Gospel Work in prophecies of the Bible / Doctor in church history / Doctor in Religious Music For Christ / Doctor in Church Administration / Doctor in Religious songs for Christ / Doctor in Christian Education / Doctor in Spirit of Prophecy writing / Doctor in Missiology / Doctor in medical Ministries / Ph.Ds. / P.G in Ph.Ds. Etc. (We have 45 Different courses).

United Theological Research University, a well known Organization is organizing a National Seminar on the “Best Education & Administration Excellence” at Secunderabad T.S. On this occasion the council will honor you with Gold Medal Along with Gold memento for the outstanding achievement in the field of activity / and also “Honorary Doctorate in Social Services” for the people who are in Favor with God and man and We are happy to announce a special ordination service to all the Christian Believers and Deacons, Evangelists, Pastors, Reverends, Bishops, Arch Bishop, Priesthood, The Messenger of God (MOG), The Man of God, (MOG) The Prophet of Jesus (POJ). on the 28-05-2021 at Secunderabad T.S. Any denominational Christian can apply along with our Theological Degree Graduation or Convocation Programmes for the Ordinations.

Those who are willingly interested to be a part of Seminary can apply immediately by sending Rs.300/- M.O for the application & Prospectus on or before 20-03-2021.

You can make use of our bank accounts: 1. Oriental Bank of Commerce, Marredpally Branch, Secunderabad for Dr. Fredrick Francis A/c. No. 1058201106005, 2. State Bank of India, Patny Centre Branch, Secunderabad for Dr. Fredrick Francis A/c. No. 10725270312, IFSC Code: SBIN000916 THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER w DECEMBER 2020

By Arch Bishop. Dr. Fredrick Franics L. PVK Vice-Chancellor of UTRUSR and IBCA 12

Website: www.christianmessenger.in Email: contact@christianmessenger.in

365 Days Devotional Edition Kids, Women’s & Youth

Available in English, Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada, Marathi, Bengali, Mizo & Sumi

Messages of inspiration, hope and perseverance that will last you all year long!

Avail free shipping on all orders from our online store www.dhdindia.in Bulk Copies Discount Call / SMS / Whatsapp: +91 95000 37162 | +91 44 2836 3435 | Email: sales.in@odb.org

tch a W

Messenger TV Official channel on THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE

Scan this area with the QR code app in your smartphone and watch our videos

www.YouTube.com/MessengerTVOfficial Website: www.christianmessenger.in Email: contact@christianmessenger.in

13

DECEMBER 2020 w THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER

RNI No. TNBIL/2004/15307

Posted: 2nd to 8th of every month | Date of Publication: 25

th

of every month

Owned and published by Elsy Robin from 329/4, Poonga Apartments, HIG Flats, II Avenue, Anna Nagar, Chennai 600 040.

Printed by L Cyril Sagayaraj at VS Printograph Pvt Ltd., No. 142, L&T Road, Burma Colony, Perungudi, Chennai 600 096. Editor: Elsy Robin

14