He came to earth as a helpless baby, born to a humble young woman who miraculously conceived the child. Although ordained and predestined to be the King of kings, He was not born in a palace with the honor and praise of the establishment. Instead, He was born on the dirty floor of a barn amidst the cattle and the donkeys; He was wrapped in rags and laid to rest in the animals’ feed-trough.
Though His birth brought no great fanfare or recognition from human institutions, that night on a nearby hillside, some poor shepherds were awestruck as a brilliant light shone in the starry sky and a host of heavenly messengers filled the night with their joyful declaration: “Glory to God in the highest! Peace on earth to men of good will! For unto you this day is born a Savior, Christ the Lord.”
His earthly father was a carpenter, a humble hewer of wood with whom He lived and labored. Jesus conformed to our human ways that He might understand and love us better and communicate with us within our limited understanding. He saw our suffering and had great compassion on us.
When He began His life’s work, He went about everywhere doing good—helping people, loving children, healing heartaches, strengthening the weary. He not only preached His message, but He lived it among the people. He cared for their spiritual and physical needs, miraculously healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and sharing His love. He made Himself of no reputation and kept company with the outcasts and downtrodden of society.
As His message of God’s truth and love spread and His followers multiplied, the established religion and its leaders realized what a threat this formerly unknown carpenter from Nazareth had become to them. They had Him arrested and brought to trial on false charges, and although the governor found Him innocent, he was pressured to execute Him.
Three days after His body was laid to rest in a tomb, He rose from the dead, victor over death and hell and the grave! Since that fateful day over 2,000 years ago, Jesus Christ has done more to change history, the course of civilization, and the condition of humankind than any other leader, group, government, or empire before Him or since. He has saved billions from hopelessness and despair and has given the love of God and eternal life to all who call upon His name.
This man, Jesus Christ, is not merely a philosopher or teacher or rabbi or guru, nor even a prophet. He is the Son of God. The Bible tells us that God is love (1 John 4:8), and because He so loved the world, He sent Jesus, in the form of a man, to show us what He Himself is like and to bring us to Himself. Jesus died for the sins of the world and rose from the dead so that we could be reconciled to God.
Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation. He loves you so much that He suffered for your sins, so that you would not have to, if you’ll invite Him into your life and receive His free gift of eternal life.
You can personally receive Jesus into your heart by sincerely praying this prayer:
Dear Jesus, I want to know You. Thank You for giving Your life for me. Please forgive me for all the things I have done wrong. I ask You to come into my heart and life, fill me with Your Holy Spirit, and grant me Your free gift of eternal life. Amen.
