Baru: Sarawakians should be agents of grace in their communities, beyond
by Samuel Aubrey · Borneo Post OnlineKUCHING (Dec 24): The Christmas message of hope, peace, and love should inspire Sarawakians to be agents of grace in their communities and beyond, said Baru Bian.
The Ba Kelalan assemblyman said those celebrating Christmas should remember its true meaning: God’s unconditional love for the world.
“In response, may we extend that same love to our fellow human beings, regardless of race, creed, or background,” he said in his Christmas message.
Baru said as everyone gathers to celebrate Christmas this year, he is reminded of the profound message encapsulated in the Bible passage from 2 Timothy 1:9-10, which will be the text of his sermon on Christmas Day entitled ‘The Appearing of Our Saviour: The Gift of Grace’.
“The Apostle Paul writes that God has saved us and called us to live a holy life—not because of anything we have done, but because of His own purpose and grace.
“This grace, given to us through Christ Jesus, was planned before the beginning of time and revealed through the appearing of our Saviour.
“This is the very essence of Christmas: God’s purposeful and unmerited grace, manifested in the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem,” he said.
He explained that the word ‘grace’ — from the Greek ‘charis’ —means the unmerited favour and kindness of God towards humanity.
He pointed out that Christmas is therefore a powerful reminder that salvation is a gift from God, not earned by our deeds but granted through His love.
“As Romans 5:8 states, ‘But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.’
“This gift of grace is also a call to action. The Apostle John reminds us in 1 John 4:9-11, 19 that because God so loved us, we are to love others. His love extends beyond our families and faith communities to humanity as a whole. Christmas is not only a celebration of God’s love but also an opportunity to reflect that love to those around us, especially those in need of kindness, compassion, and hope,” he added.