The Legacy of Christmas | A Message from David Paul

The following article, written by David Paul, appeared in The Connection - Wintonbury's monthly newsletter.  

One of my favorite times of the year growing up was the Christmas season. I love the music, the

goodwill and cheer that is reflected when people donate to various causes such as the Salvation Army, strategically stationed outside major stores, and a general sense of bonhomie that seems to pervade the air. However, unfortunately, most of us seem to sadly stop at the shopping, eating, and celebration phase and don’t take the time and effort to dwell on the reason for this special day.

I think we would all do well to take a few minutes to think about the first Christmas when a baby was born so long ago to a teenage girl called Mary in that far away little town of Bethlehem, and the impact that this single life has had on us, our history, and our world. 

Jesus came into the world to die on the cross so that we may have the opportunity to be reconciled to God. Though we were yet sinners, Christ died for us, it says in the Bible in Romans 8:32.

“Missionary life is simply a chance to die.”

In Philippians 2, God’s Word says it this way:

“…. have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!”

When I think about Christmas and if by the grace of God, we are able to go beyond the glitter, the noises, the food, and the gifts that seem to define this season in our day and age, and take a few minutes to quiet our hearts to meditate on the deeper meaning of Christmas, Christ’s example encourages us to examine our lives to see how we can emulate Him in being sacrificial in our own lives so as to be a blessing to others.

View of Dohnavur Mission

One great example that has always inspired and challenged me is the life of Amy Carmichael, that great Irish missionary, born in the small village of Millisle, County Down, Northern Ireland, who left her comforts and homeland and settled in India as a missionary in 1896. She spent the next 55 years in India without a furlough until her death in 1951.

I recently had the privilege of visiting her mission station in Dohnavur in India and was humbled to see the dedication and wholehearted devotion to the Lord that enabled Amy to serve so faithfully for all those years. 

I met a lady there called Mei Malar who took about two hours to show us around. 

Mei Malar "Flower of Truth"

She told us many stories of Amy and life at this mission and said that she herself was brought to Amy’s orphanage at Dohnavur around 1946 when she was just 8 days old. Amy gave her this name which means “Flower of Truth” and she had been here serving at this mission for over 25 years herself. She had some personal recollections of Amy which were thrilling to hear.

I was thankful for the opportunity to be at this mission station and the challenge to live my life as Amy did is a challenge I pass on to you this Christmas season. She made an impact as she imitated Christ in His sacrificial love for the world and in His strength, may we be enabled to do the same.

Amy's Resting Place at Dohnavur Mission

I will close with the following:

While serving in India, Amy received a letter from a young lady who was considering life as a missionary. 

She asked Amy, "What is missionary life like?" 

Amy wrote back saying simply, “Missionary life is simply a chance to die.”

Lord, help us to follow in Your footsteps and in Amy’s. And in doing so, may we find the one true life that by our sacrificial living leaves behind the true legacy of Christmas by blessing the world around us and bringing You honor and glory, amen!