It's Christmas time again. Our streets, homes, lawns, work places and shops are decorated with the trimmings of the season. The carols and music that celebrate this holiday are heard almost everywhere.

It is unquestionably the best time of the year. Our family will gather to enjoy each other, and the reason for the season: The Lord has come.

One of my favorite old-time Christmas hymns includes the words, "all the years and all the fears are met in thee tonight."

What a fantastic statement! Simply put, all the anxieties, fears, worries and doubts that anyone and everyone has ever felt as an individual or in every group dimension were met and conquered that day so long ago.

The world, while it knew it not, now had a Savior, someone who would forgive our sins, heal our diseases and our hurts, take away our poverty and shame, and lead us into the throne room of God, the creator of heaven and earth.

This infant, born on the first Christmas, would soon proclaim that the kingdom of God was at hand; and that it was available to any and all who would turn from the ways of the world to the ways of this wonderful savior.

The kingdom of God was established on that first Christmas. The ultimate aim of history had come into tangible reality. No other institution on Earth is as grand or as comprehensive as the kingdom of God. This kingdom is everywhere. I have experienced it all across the globe.

His kingdom is as vast as humanity; it is unfettered by language, location and culture; it is available to any and all without restriction or condition, and this kingdom will endure forever. Christmas brought forth the capstone to creation.

Christmas was not an afterthought in the heavens. It was always intended by God, who loved us so much that he gave us his son that day so that all who believe might have life, abundant life, joy, honor, favor and mercy forever and ever.

Christmas and the redemption of men and women from every tribe and nation was the eternal forethought of the creator, the controlling idea before the beginning began. The kingdom of God is the beginning, the middle and the end of all God's ways and works.

The Bible says, "Thanks be unto God for this unspeakable gift." The gift's name is Jesus, and he is the lover of our souls.

Merry Christmas!

H. Murray Hohns of Makiki is an associate pastor at New Hope Christian Fellowship. Expressions of Faith is a column that welcomes submissions from leaders in faith and spirituality. E-mail faith@honoluluadvertiser.com or call 525-8035.

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