In the busyness of the holiday season, it’s easy to be swept up in all the things that have come to define Christmas – the frantic final days of shopping, the decorating, the travel plans, the big meal with the family.
But often lost in the rush is the true miracle of Christmas. Jesus came in the form of an infant to bridge the gulf of sin between God and mankind – and that means you and me and every other believer!
It reminds me of old Charlie Brown, the harried director of a neighborhood holiday pageant who yells out in frustration, “Can’t anyone tell me what Christmas is all about?”
Then, in a remarkable TV moment, Charlie’s blanket-toting buddy Linus steps to center stage, asks for a spotlight, and recites Luke 2 8-14 in the elegant formality of the King James translation of the Bible:
“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for, behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and goodwill towards men.’
“That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.”
It’s the Greatest Story Ever Told, because Jesus, our Lord and Savior, came to us in human form and bore the penalty and pain of all our sins.
Christmas is about redemption. It’s about hope, and unimaginable love. And it’s about the incredible opportunity that we, the redeemed, have in sharing the Good News of Christ with all the people of the world.
When you get a glimpse of what Jesus came to do, you can recapture the wonder and awe of the Christmas season. He loves us so much that he died in our place and paid the full price of sin so we could spend eternity with Him.
Share this incredible story and invite others into the presence of God, and pray that God draws them to Himself.
Because Christ came, we can be filled with joy, hope and peace! And that is Good News worth celebrating!
