“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12)

Beloved ones,

You are celebrating today the anniversary of the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Many people would be unable to talk about it today. Some would think of Christmas as a celebration for kids while others will view it as a celebration dedicated to Western gods. Neither statement is right.

This is indeed a celebration commemorating the birth of Jesus-Christ, the sole and unique name mentioned among mankind through which salvation can be received. The Apostle Peter recognized that truth and proclaimed without hesitation before everyone that Jesus Christ is and remains the sole Saviour: “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12)

Unfortunately, there were in olden times just as there are today many people who behave as if Christ were not enough. They invoke names of others, or that of Saints or an angel. None of those is identified in the Holy Scriptures as our Redeemer and Mediator. Only Jesus Christ has been sacrificed and crucified on the cross to purge our sins as attested by the Scriptures: “For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people” (1 Timothy 2:5-6).

At this grave moment when the whole world is celebrating Christmas, we encourage and exhort you to turn to Christ, the Son of the Living God for forgiveness of your sins and be reconciled with God. That is the only name given by God for salvation of souls. All other names are abominations and idolatry before God.

For your salvation, there is one and only one action recommended by the Bible: “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved - you and your household” (Acts 16:31). Christ himself sends out this call to humanity: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

Happy celebration with Christ the Saviour!