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2020 has truly been an extraordinary year – one for the record books given the pandemic, the market’s Corona Crash in March, and the subsequent powerful rebound. Many investors have enjoyed their best returns ever over the past months, and there is much to look forward to, but there are millions of people across North America who are also suffering this Christmas like never before. Try to help someone in need.

Governments and their health departments can impose whatever draconian COVID-19 measures they wish (the entire province of Ontario goes into “lockdown” on Saturday), and even prohibit in-person church services in the name of “public safety”, but the real reason for the season lives on. And no matter what any government attempts to do, “social distancing” can never apply to Jesus – he isn’t an inch further from any of us than when this pandemic broke out. He’s accessible 24/7, no appointment required, no matter what the circumstances.

The markets are now closed but not for just another “holiday”. It is our hope and prayer at BMR that everyone everywhere this Christmas, especially this unique Christmas, will have time to pause and reflect on the real reason for the season.

Just over 2000 years ago Luke recorded the birth of Jesus Christ:

“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world (this was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria). And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 

“He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 

“An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2: 1–12, New International Version)

A Savior was born and He is Christ the Lord. He came for all of us.

Humble beginnings…

A manger is something that is used to hold food and water for animals, so it’s significant that this is where a divine baby was born. From the beginning, Jesus was and still is God with the people. He came to earth in humble beginnings, lived a humble life, and died on a cross for the sins of the world.

In similar style, the first people to be informed of the birth of baby Jesus were the shepherds. In those days shepherds were one of the lowest of society. They were out in the fields living with the animals, not living in castles.  The angel of the Lord gives them the Good News for the world. The angel tells them that a Savior has been born to them, not only for them but for the whole world. The angel does not say He was born for some of the people. Jesus was born for ALL the people, ALL races, ALL ethnicities, ALL genders, ALL classes. He is for ALL.

Christmas is a time when we celebrate the birth of Jesus but it is also a day when we celebrate all that He accomplished by willingly going to the cross (for us) in His death. He came to save the world and He wants all of His children to be in relationship with Him.

It is our corporate prayer that this Christmas you will feel the Hope of Christ, the Love of Christ, the Joy of Christ, and the Peace of Christ as you share this precious time with friends and family.

As you reflect on the reason for the season, may you also shine your light before others.

From our homes to yours, we wish you a very Merry Christmas!

Warmest regards,

Jon, John, Daniel and the team at BMR.

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