This year, once again, Christmas comes amidst upheaval, crisis, trouble, or terror for many in the world.
Last year at this time, the world was staggering under the events in Israel, Ukraine, and elsewhere. Since then, we've seen a year of wars, social strife, and terrible storms that have left families homeless. In that context, the Christmas message of hope, goodwill, love, and cheer might seem distant and irrelevant. But it is more relevant than ever!
The message of Christmas has been terribly misunderstood. Some think of it only in terms of business profits, gifts, toys, lights, and celebrations. Others think only of the historical Bethlehem, with its star, shepherds, and wise men. Many cynically ask, “Where is this Prince of Peace who is supposed to have come to earth?”
The real message of Christmas that has been lost by much of the world is more profound than they can imagine. The historical events on that obscure night in the first century heralded the entrance of God into human history; it was nothing less than Heaven’s eternal glory descending to Earth. It was an event that stands as a beacon in eternity and continues to proclaim the most amazing news ever heard.
“It is as though a trumpeter had taken his stand upon the turrets of time and announced to a despairing, hopeless, and frustrated world the coming of the Prince of Peace.” ~ Billy Graham
On that first Christmas night, angels announced to fearful shepherds, “Fear not, I bring you good news” (Luke 2). This is the true meaning of Christmas—the Good News—that God sent His only Son to Earth in human form to save us from our sins.
Christmas is not a myth, not a tradition, not a dream—it is a glorious reality. It’s the reality that God committed the most outrageous act of all time – a revolutionary act. He broke the barrier between Heaven and Earth, tore the veil between God and Man, proclaimed deliverance to captives, and the restoration of sight to people who are spiritually blind!
“Jesus did not come into this world to make bad people good. He came to make dead people live.” ~ Ravi Zacharias
His coming changed Heaven and Earth forever by opening Heaven to lost outcasts. He brought the antidote for sin to a sin-plagued world. By taking our punishment, He forever changed the destinies of countless souls. The gift that God gave on that first Christmas transforms His enemies into friends, Prodigals into Sons and Daughters, and sinners into Citizens of Heaven.
Glory to God in the Highest!
This clip: "Unto Us, a Child is Born," sung by a 600-member choir, is from a performance of Handel's Messiah by the Sydney Philharmonia Orchestra at the Sydney Opera House in 2022. It's amazing!
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” ~Isaiah 9:6
-of His kingdom, there shall be no end!
Have a Blessed Christmas Season!
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