2 billion people in more than 160 countries over these next two days will celebrate Christmas. Most of these consider Christmas the year’s most important holiday. In the United States alone, regardless of faith, 9 in 10 people observe the celebration.
How did Christmas begin? The most famous account is recorded in the book of Luke, located near the beginning of the New Testament. You can find it in Luke Chapter 2. With exuberance the author describes great news: the birth of a Savior, the son of a very poor migrant couple who delivered in an animal barn.
As you continue reading, Luke describes the boyhood, signs and wonders, and impact of Christ’s words to all humankind. What was he saying then and now? What communiqué is so powerful even thousands of years later?
In short, the Savior’s message is forgiveness of every wrongdoing and the assurance of living forever through turning away from wrongdoing and living like Christ – all this proof by him, a dead man, returning to life.
This year, how shall we respond to Christmas? Beyond precious friends and family, let’s nurture our hearts by enjoying these good tidings of great joy and pondering the message of the Savior, which is Christ the Lord.