As a child on Christmas morn, my heart raced as I anticipated unwrapping the presents lying beneath our family’s Christmas tree. My brother and I awoke early and called my parents to commence with the festivities. In addition to the allure of presents, my mind raced with the magical cheer of the holidays. At church, the minister spoke of the Christ-child born in a manger. But the story did not grip me. It did not change my life, not until the Holy Spirit wrestled with my stubborn heart. When I was eighteen and attending a gospel concert, the true meaning of Christmas came alive for me.
The Christ-child has always existed, and always will. His life spans from eternity past and to infinity. He is the Great I am. He is Three in One–the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Since Adam’s fall at the beginning of the world, God intended for Jesus to be born on earth. God spoke these words to the serpent (Satan) after Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit: “I will put enmity between you and the woman and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head and you shall bruise his heel” (Genesis 3:15).
At the proper time, Jesus came to earth. The Maker of the Universe entered the womb of Mary by the power of the Holy Spirit. After Jesus’ birth, he was worshipped by angels, shepherds, and later by kings. The infinite One took on finite flesh. He who was one hundred percent God and became one hundred percent man as well. He lived a sinless life and then paid the price for our sin through His execution on the cross. After three days, He rose again, and now He lives to intercede for us at the right hand of God. This is the true meaning of Christmas. Jesus was born, lived, died, and rose again so that we can find our hope in Him.
When I was a child, the true revelation of Christmas evaded me. Like trying to grasp fine sand, I failed to understand. The eyes of my heart were blinded to spiritual things. It takes the Holy Spirit to illuminate our hearts. Satan desires to blind us from the truth, but when we turn to Jesus, the veil over our eyes is lifted.
Have you received Christ as your personal Lord and Savior? Have you done business with Jesus by repenting of your sins and receiving His pardon for them? Have you obtained His gift of eternal life? This is an exchange where we give Jesus our faults and He gives us His salvation.
Jesus said we must become like children to enter the kingdom of God. He desires that our hearts be thrilled with anticipation, not for the gifts beneath a Christmas tree, but for the gift of salvation He longs to give us.
The Bible teaches that none of us can earn this gift. It has been completely paid for through the blood of Christ. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Here is a prayer for you to receive Christ as your Lord and Savior. Please pray it if you would like to join God’s family or if you know the Lord but have grown cold in your relationship with Him.
Dear Father God,
Thank you for sending Jesus to die for me and to rise from the dead. I admit that I am a sinner in need of your forgiveness. I repent of my sins, and I turn to you. I declare that You are the Lord of my life! Thank you for your gift of salvation that I cannot earn. I thank you that I will live with you in heaven forever. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Here are some things to do to help you in your newfound faith:
- Read the Bible Daily – it is food for the soul.
- Pray – Talk to your Heavenly Father. He is Your Friend, and He will talk to you as well.
- Start attending a loving, Spirit-filled church that teaches the Bible.
- Tell others about your newfound relationship with Jesus.
