Merry Christmas, friends!

At Christmas, we remember and celebrate the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. Manger scenes are displayed and dramatic performances of the story of the birth of Christ are prolific in America and other parts of the world.

During Sunday morning church service, my pastor posed the question to our congregation — who do you see when you look into the manger? Do you see a helpless and cuddly baby or do you see the Lord of the universe who has come to bring salvation to all who receive Him? This question resonated with me and is behind the thoughts I share here today.

We sing “Joy to the world, the Lord is come!” Can a baby bring true joy to the whole world? He can if He is God taking on the flesh of manhood. Yes, God can bring joy to the world! But how?

Consider that this baby, Jesus, grew up and along the way, His life, His miracles, all He did testified of who He is, namely the Lord God. But how does His life lived on earth bring joy to you and me?

Consider the destiny of Jesus — the reason He came; His sacrifice for us on the cross; the reason for the season.

2 Corinthians 5:21 “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (NKJV, Bible)

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (NKJV, Bible)

The Holy Scriptures teach us that God the Father placed our sin on Jesus, His Son, when He gave Him over to death on a cross so that we might be forgiven and made right in His sight. As Jesus arose from death, He conquered death and the grave. God will surely keep His Word to anyone who receives His Son, Jesus Christ, by faith. That person will not perish, but have everlasting life. Ponder this — the certainty of everlasting life with Jesus, the One who loved us and came at Christmas to bring us the gift of everlasting life! How can we not shout, “Joy to the world, the Lord is come?”

The Arrival of Christmas is the Arrival of God in human form, Jesus the Savior; the arrival of the One who would bring everlasting life to all who believe in Him. This is joy that doesn’t depend on the stock market’s next move. It doesn’t depend on any of the uncertain circumstances of this earthly life. This is certain joy. Jesus gave the greatest gift ever; He gave Himself. He is available to all who will receive Him and He gives life everlasting to all who do. He will not turn aside from anyone who says yes to Him. It doesn’t matter one’s past. Jesus has taken care of the past, present and future and forever.

The Arrival of Christmas — it’s Christmas every day once you’ve received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. If you haven’t said yes to the Lord Jesus Christ before and, by faith, received Him as your personal Savior, I pray you’ll look closely in the manger this Christmas and say yes to receiving Jesus Christ who died for your sin and arose to bring you the joyful certainty of everlasting life.

Again, Merry Christmas, friends. May you have a wonderful time with your families and friends this year!

Paul