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Colin Peckham
Colin Peckham (1936–2009). Born in 1936 in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, Colin Peckham was a dynamic evangelist, theologian, and principal of The Faith Mission Bible College in Edinburgh. Growing up on a farm, he became a Christian as a young man and studied agriculture at Maritzburg College before pursuing theology at the University of South Africa and Edinburgh University. He ministered for ten years with the Africa Evangelistic Band, engaging in evangelism and convention ministry, and later served as a youth leader in South African missions. In 1982, he became principal of The Faith Mission Bible College, serving for 17 years, preparing students for world evangelism with a focus on revival and holiness. Married to Mary Morrison in 1969, a convert of the 1949–1953 Lewis Revival, they formed a powerful ministry team, preaching globally and igniting spiritual hunger. Peckham authored books like Sounds from Heaven and Resisting Temptation, blending biblical scholarship with practical faith. After retiring, he continued itinerant preaching until his death on November 9, 2009, in Broxburn, Scotland, survived by Mary, three children—Colin, Heather, and Christine—and two grandchildren. He said, “Revival is God’s finger pointed at me.”
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Colin Peckham emphasizes that Christmas transcends the materialistic and festive aspects, urging believers to focus on the profound mystery of the incarnation - God becoming flesh in the form of a child. He highlights the theological significance of Jesus' birth, emphasizing that through His humanity, believers can partake in His divine nature. The sermon underscores that Christmas is a time for worship, echoing the angelic choirs and wise men who glorified God at the birth of Jesus, inviting believers to join in adoration and praise.
Christmas Is Jesus (More Than Festivities)
Christmas means more than the domestic festivities, the family reunions and the giving of presents, more than the glittering lights and the gaily decorated Christmas tree, more than the holly and the ivy; more than the carols by candlelight and the traditional Christmas crib. The heart of the matter lies not simply in singing and making merry. Christmas is above all else, a time of worshipping, for Christmas confronts us with the inconceivable mystery, the mighty wonder of not just a child in a stable, but with the well-nigh incredible miracle of the incarnation -- God manifest in the flesh! Christ, the eternal Word, the everlasting Father, came in human flesh. The Son of God became the Son of man in order that the sons of men might become sons of God. He was born of Mary after the flesh in order that we might be born of God after the Spirit. He took our human nature in order that we might be partakers of His divine nature. The birth of Jesus is not merely a beautiful human story but has vast theological implications, and as we read the narratives in the spirit of faith and devotion, they will bring us to our knees, lost in wonder love and praise. Thus the Christmas festival is essentially a call to worship. On the first Christmas night the angelic choirs burst forth in songs of praise and glorified God. The shepherds followed their example. The wise men 'fell down and worshipped Him and opening their treasures they presented unto Him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh'. While angels and shepherds and magi glorify God, shall we keep silent? Oh come let us adore Him Oh come let us adore Him Oh come let us adore Him Christ the Lord!
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Colin Peckham (1936–2009). Born in 1936 in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, Colin Peckham was a dynamic evangelist, theologian, and principal of The Faith Mission Bible College in Edinburgh. Growing up on a farm, he became a Christian as a young man and studied agriculture at Maritzburg College before pursuing theology at the University of South Africa and Edinburgh University. He ministered for ten years with the Africa Evangelistic Band, engaging in evangelism and convention ministry, and later served as a youth leader in South African missions. In 1982, he became principal of The Faith Mission Bible College, serving for 17 years, preparing students for world evangelism with a focus on revival and holiness. Married to Mary Morrison in 1969, a convert of the 1949–1953 Lewis Revival, they formed a powerful ministry team, preaching globally and igniting spiritual hunger. Peckham authored books like Sounds from Heaven and Resisting Temptation, blending biblical scholarship with practical faith. After retiring, he continued itinerant preaching until his death on November 9, 2009, in Broxburn, Scotland, survived by Mary, three children—Colin, Heather, and Christine—and two grandchildren. He said, “Revival is God’s finger pointed at me.”