Sometimes it feels like the world is getting darker and colder all the time. When the sun sets, we look for some ray of hope.
That hope is here.
Two thousand years ago, over the town of Bethlehem, a new star shone and an angel proclaimed to a group of shepherds, “Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” 1 On that special night, God gave us the greatest gift anyone could give—His Son, Jesus.
Though Jesus came into the world as a tiny baby, He brought with Him all of God’s wonderful gifts. As He grew older, He unwrapped these gifts for us one by one, as He taught us how to love God and one another. Then when He died for us, He gave us the greatest gift of all—the promise of eternal life with Him in heaven.
Jesus wants to live in the hearts of all people everywhere. He sees the misery, grief, and pain of the heavy-hearted. He sees the weak, the sick, and the weary. He sees those who struggle with regret over the past and fear of the future. He sees the persecuted and war-torn, those who have been robbed of hope and a fair chance at life. He hears all our cries and reaches out to us in love. “Don’t let your hearts be troubled,” He tells us. “Trust in God, and trust also in me.” 2 “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” 3
May you and yours have a wonderful Christmas filled with God’s care and love.