English Christmas Newsletter

Sunrise Foursquare Church –Christmas 2016

Mary asked the angel, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.” The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God. What’s more, your relative Elizabeth has become pregnant in her old age! People used to say she was barren, but she has conceived a son and is now in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God. Luke 1:34-37

Even if you don’t understand the historical-religious situation or background of this passage, the beginning question of Mary and the ending answer of the angel, encapsulate the essence of a great message to us. “How can this happen?” was her question, and after the details of how, was the answer in a blanket truth about God Himself, “For nothing is impossible with God.” Mary wondered how could a virgin be with child, an obviously sincere, truthful, and very personal confession before a divine messenger.

Where there is a will, there is a way, and certainly so, if God is involved. The coming of God’s beloved Son, God’s will?! It was not just His will, but His remedy for a fallen, and estranged human race, that was already in the planning stage at the time of creation and in the works with Abraham.

In the fullness of time, the Advent or “coming of the Messiah” occurred, all in God's time and

way. "Foolishness!" some may say, that is of Jesus Christ coming to this world to die on the cross for the sins of people, but it is interesting how this foolishness works to mend the brokenness of our relationship with God and with our fellow person. It has worked for multitudes throughout the ages, yes, among them myself included.

In daily course of life, each of us comes face to face with seemingly insurmountable situations and from time to time, with the question, "How can this be possible?" How is it possible that two people can ever be together again, after all that has been so hurtfully said and done? With God, all things are possible. What Mary thought was unconceivable from a human standpoint, was possible with God who brought miraculous life in her womb and joyous faith in her heart. When two people come to the Savior, humbly, broken, and needy before Him, amazingly, they come closer to each other. If they can pray together, then they will stay together. What begins with a husband and wife, dad and mom, and grandparents, filters down to affect and bless the whole family.

Christmas is the season for us to consider the possibilities of our hopes and dreams. Always keep your chin up by looking upward to Jesus Christ who said, “With man it is impossible, but with God, all things are possible” (Luke 18:27). --Pastor Paul Iwata