by Tim O’Hare
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“Seeing is believing, but sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can’t see.” – The Polar Express
It is easy to become distracted with the busyness of this holiday season and forget the real reason we celebrate. As you gather with loved ones this Christmas, take some time to reflect on the greatest gift of all: Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
Unlike Santa and Frosty the Snowman, baby Jesus isn’t simply another mythical figure we talk about this time of year. He is God incarnate and the giver of life. He is the real One to put your belief in this Christmas.
The story of Christmas is very real, and should be something we celebrate all year ‘round. It is the story of how the infinite and sovereign God of the Universe knows and loves you intimately. Because of Christmas, you can have hope through salvation in Jesus. God loves you so much that He sent His only Son to be born of a virgin, live a sinless life and die as a sacrifice for the sin of all men. But even if you were the only person on earth, Jesus still would have come.
Thirty-three years after that first Christmas, Jesus was crucified on a cross and buried in a borrowed tomb. But death did not defeat him. He defeated death, and on the 3rd day, he was alive again. This time, for good. It is through belief in Christ’s sacrifice for our sins, his death, burial and resurrection that we can have hope of eternal life in heaven when our time on earth is over.
Savor this holiday season and the moments you have giving and receiving gifts. But let these earthly gifts you give and receive be a reminder of the greatest gift ever given — the gift of life through God’s only son, Jesus.
It is a free gift; one you have the choice to accept or reject. If you choose to accept this gift, and believe in the birth, life, death and resurrection of Christ to cover the gap between you and a perfect, holy God, you can have eternal life.
Belief — or faith — is all you need. As the Scriptures say, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
Take some time to remember what a wonderful gift we have in the birth of Jesus and have a blessed Christmas.
