Baby Jesus

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. Luke 2:11-12

Christmas is just a couple days away. My family and I celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, God come to Earth as a baby. Who is Jesus? Why does the biggest holiday of the year tell of His story in Christmas music, pageants and yard ornaments? Was the Christmas story just that - a nice story?

It's clear to see that the world we live in is filled with pain, sadness and just plain evil. Especially in recent days. How can we possibly have hope or even celebrate, when all around us is utter chaos? Broken hearts, broken homes, broken dreams, broken people. Lives shattered by any number of reasons. Where does real hope and true joy come from? And what does baby Jesus have to do with that? 

I believe that Jesus came to Earth to rescue the entire world. He's the answer to the questions we can't answer. Jesus IS hope. Jesus IS love. He's the only way to experience authentic peace, joy and lasting love. Real love. Unconditional love. That baby lying in a manger with a golden halo wasn't just a baby, He was, and is, the Son of God. He came to Earth to be our Savior - the ultimate Hero, for all mankind. 

And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 1 John 4:14

This world desperately needs a Savior. I desperately needed a Savior. Jesus is the reason that I have hope and can navigate this road we call life, in the midst of utter chaos. It's only by his blood that was shed for me - years after he was born as a baby - that I know I'm forgiven and free. I have joy in my heart because when Jesus died, to pay for my sin, and came back to life - that was the most magnificent day in history. Even greater than his birth (what we celebrate at Christmas) was His death followed by His resurrection (what we celebrate at Easter). I know that some day I'll spend eternity in Heaven with Him. What greater hope could there be?

Christmas isn't about a jolly man in a red suit, it's not about trees, lights, or even presents. Christmas is about Jesus and the reason that he came to this world as a baby, so many years ago. It's right there if you listen to Christmas music classics - O Holy Night, Joy To The World, Away In A Manger, Silent Night. Listen to the words and really let them sink in. Yes, He was a baby, but He grew to be a man who gave His life for you. 

My prayer is that you would find Jesus, the real Jesus this Christmas, if you haven't already. He may be hidden behind the latest toys, gadgets, family celebrations, shopping and cookies. But He's there. Waiting to fill your life with joy, peace and unending love. The book of Matthew in the Bible tells the whole story.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:16-17

Happy Birthday Jesus!