What is Christmas all about? One would be forgiven for thinking that it’s just an excuse for spending money. At Christmas the 11,000 plus parking spaces of our local shopping mall are filled to overflowing. Its year round statues, frescoes and fountains are joined by dazzling decorations, magnificent Christmas trees and a breathtaking Santa’s grotto. The aisles are crammed with shoppers, all looking for that perfect present, while in a corner, beneath a staircase, and unnoticed by many, is a crib scene, a stable, with kneeling figures and a baby in a manger.

Christmas celebrates a baby coming into the world; a baby that came to bring us peace, hope and joy, and to restore that relationship with our Creator. This baby is so special that his birth was foretold by a prophet approximately 700 years before:

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned … For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Isaiah 9:2, 6. (NIVUK)

Jesus is worth celebrating simply for Himself, e.g. His love, His compassion, His wisdom, His beauty, His strength. Yet we really celebrate the coming of Jesus into this world because of what He went on to accomplish thirty years later. Speaking about His purpose, He said:

“The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Mark 10:45 (NIVUK)

Jesus gave His life as a ransom for us, so that we who live in the darkness of this world, might experience His great light, His love and His forgiveness; and that we might know a new quality of life, a new insight into the things of the Spirit, a new peace within and a new hope for the future. Aren’t these what everyone wants? You would think so, but many today are so pre-occupied with their own situations, that they fail to explore the gift that was given that first Christmas.

The good news is that the gift of God’s love and new life is still available. In fact Jesus wants to visit your home this Christmas; will you let Him in?

In the following video (4 mins), Rene Taubensee knew nothing about Jesus, yet God revealed His love to her: