Date: December 25, 2023

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and to Him be the Glory, Power, and Dominion forever and ever and to the Holy Ghost yet abiding in the body. Today as we celebrate Christmas Day 2023, let us remember this month’s phrase: A New Birth in Jesus Christ. John 3:3 says, “… Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”  

My brothers and sisters, I pray that this month’s weekly messages on the New Birth of Jesus Christ, the meaning and significance of being born again, the blessings it brings, and the importance of believing in the birth of Jesus Christ have brought about a change in your life. Let us allow God’s word to speak to us, challenge us, and change us. That is what the New Birth is all about. It’s about change, transformation, and becoming a new creation in Christ. In the gospel of John, Jesus speaks of a spiritual rebirth that is necessary to enter the kingdom of God.  This spiritual rebirth is a transformation that takes place in our hearts and minds. It’s a change that is so profound, and all-encompassing, that it’s like a new life.

Hence, a new life in Christ, is not something we can do on our own, the result of our efforts, or our good deeds. It’s a gift from God. It’s His work in us, made possible by His grace and love. Paul writes, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith” (Ephesians 2:8). This tells us the New Birth is not something we earn or deserve. God freely gives out of His love for us. Hence, we must accept this gift through faith and have a new heart. In Ezekiel 3:25-27 God says. “I will give you a new heart and a new spirit”. The New Birth is about an inward change. Paul writes, “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion”. The New Birth is a journey; it begins the moment we accept Jesus Christ and receive the Holy Ghost and continues until the day we see Him face to face.

In closing, the New Birth is not just about this life, but about the life to come. It’s about being a part of  God’s eternal Kingdom. In the book of John, Jesus says, “…I am the resurrection and the life. He that believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live” John 11:25.  My question to you is, “Have you received the New Birth?” Merry Christmas from the Worthem family to yours on this Christmas morning. Until next week, remember “…with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).

In His Service,

Bishop Dr. Calvin Worthem

General Chief Overseer/Senior Bishop