Perhaps you’ve known the story since before you could talk or maybe it seems like a fairy tale. You may have the manger scene depicted all over your house and lawn or Christmas may be a season of philanthropy, lights and magical reindeer. You may be full of the Christmas spirit or saying, “Bah Humbug.” Worse, the holiday cheer may be downright depressing.

EXTRAORDINARY

Minding their own business and tending their flocks, it was an ordinary day to the shepherds. Until God showed up and changed it all. It’s always that way. Life is radically different when you personally encounter the one true, Holy God. The heavenly host announced His son’s birth.

Emmanuel

God with us

Regardless of your beliefs, it’s a thought provoking concept. A God who would leave heaven and become flesh incarnate so He could die that we may live. Every other religion in the world prescribes a remedy for man to reach God. My God sent His son to make a path for me. He says it’s the only way.

John 14:6, “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.'” NASB

I BELIEVE

If you believe in the reality of Christ’s virgin birth, His fulfillment of hundreds of prophecies and His divine plan of redemption through the cross, then pause this Christmas to be grateful. Share the good news with those who don’t know. Remember, it’s good news, not hateful or judgmental or condemning. Share the truth in love; the love that stretched out His arms and died and the truth that frees us.

Ephesians 2:8, “For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift.” HCSB

DO YOU?

God didn’t send His son to be a great teacher or prophet, He sent Jesus to be our Savior. He knew that is precisely what we needed. Personally, it is a gift I have received. I hope you have too, it’s for everybody.

Romans 10:13, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” KJV

TAKE A MOMENT

This year I challenge you to pause and read the Christmas story from the second chapter of Luke. Whether it’s your first time or your thousandth time, I pray you will see it with childlike wonder. The greatest story ever told:

Luke 2:6-14

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you; You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” NIV

HOPE

I hope you have a wonder-filled Christmas. Most of all, I hope you have received the greatest gift of all this Christmas. And I hope you’ll share it if you have.

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