Christmas Gift

On the dawn of that first Christmas morning, an unsuspecting world had no idea that a new era had arrived. It was totally unprepared to accept a poor baby born in a Bethlehem stable as “Immanuel”, God with us. But the Christ-child was the visible manifestation of God’s unconditional love for all humanity, a love like no other. His name was Jesus. He came to be the light of God’s grace. He was “the true light, who gives light to everyone…” (John 1:4)

Standing at the crossroad of old and new religious thought, he was the anticipated child of Old Testament prophecy: “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) And on that first Christmas evening, heavenly voices announced him as bringing “peace to men”. (Luke 2:14)

Who Jesus was and what he would do provided broken humanity an opportunity to reconcile with Holy God. He would live humbly, selflessly, compassionately and with great wisdom. His life would be filled with the unexplained and miraculous but would end unfairly and tragically. However, there was a glorious twist; he died to give life, to renew and restore the spirits of all who would believe. And in an amazing resurrection, he conquered and wiped out the fear of death and gave eternal hope for mankind.

What a great Christmas gift this Christ Child is! He is our peace! Scripture tells us to believe and live because “In him (is) life…” (Acts 16:31) (John 11:25)(John 1:4-9) He is our reason for having a joyous Christmas!