Lead Pastor Isaac Badaraco’s Christmas message

Dear friends and neighbors. My name is Isaac Badaraco, lead pastor of One Life Christian Church in Baldwin, NY since August 2021. 

I taught recently about a man named Isaiah, a prophet who spoke the words of God about 800 years before Jesus’ birth. This is important because of what his words would do for a people (Israel) who found themselves in fear and oppression. His words, in the book of Isaiah, were full of hope. The hope he spoke of was Jesus and He wouldn’t be given to the world for another 8 centuries. 

Isaiah said: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6). 

In 2022, I feel that these words have not lost value. You and I are still in need of Hope, and our hope has a name, Jesus. Christmas is not just about family, decorations, gifts, Christmas hams or flashy lights, it more about an expectant Hope in awaiting the coming of Jesus. In Isaiah’s time, they were looking forward to the coming Hope; today, we remember the coming of Jesus and await his return! We wait with great hope and joy. 

I don’t know what your life is lacking in this season, but I believe Jesus’ Christmas message is very simple. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27). We can face anything in life with the mysterious and inexplicable peace of Jesus. The “world” cannot fill your cup the way Jesus can, and we celebrate this season with awaiting hearts filled with joy, love, peace and hope. Will you receive the Hope of hopes today?

Merry Christmas!

— Isaac Badaraco