The greatest story ever told, of an infant born to a virgin mother, the One who came to save the world, to lay down His life for the redemption of mankind, to free us from the clutches of eternal death . A story, centuries old, told even before it’s time, and for two thousand years since . A story that gives hope, and warms the hearts of those who lend an ear .
In the night , on a starry, cold, desert night , the shepherds watching their flock, wake up to the singing of angels above, heralding the birth of God’s only begotten Son. Rushing to see, they find not a royal prince in a palace, but a little baby in swaddling clothes, lying in a humble manger . No cradle of gold for Him, no celebrations befitting a king, but when He turned and smiled, they were filled with love, joy and lasting peace .
Feeling singled out, wasting no more time, they charged through the crowded places, declaring the birth of the Immanuel. Then there came many, to behold the Holy One, the One who would rule the world and set them free. Not all were convinced, for He was just an infant, born in a stable, surrounded by lowing cattle . It was when the kings from the east arrived, bearing gifts of gold, myrrh and incense, that Herod noticed the birth of the child and swore to kill Him.
But the baby, guarded by angels, grew to be a man, our Saviour. With no chariots no army, with no shields or spears, He conquered the world by His mighty Word. There is no man or beast, no force of nature, or power, that does not bend its knee, before the Ruler of Heaven and Earth .His sermons and teachings, brought enlightenment to many .
He gathered His followers, not by force, but with love and compassion. By His Word, the sick were healed, the blind could see, the deaf could hear and the lame, leapt up and walked. His light shone, on those in darkness, giving them renewed life . He walked and taught, performing unbelievable miracles, for three whole years . Then came the day of atonement, when He laid down His life, to wash away our sins, every worst one of them.
And so it is that Christmas is celebrated, to commemorate the birth of Jesus . With month long preparations and revelry, the day is ushered in, with prayers in the church. Family and friends then gather, to partake of food and wine, and merrymaking,. Christmas is a day filled with joy, peace, and hope for tomorrow, for the new year.
Jesus was born to bring new life, to reveal the truth of eternity, to guide those who are lost, along the path of righteousness. Christmas is the time to remember why God came to earth, and the sacrifice He made, to save us. It is the time to welcome Him into our hearts, to reflect on His teachings, to try and live by them. To love our enemies, to comfort the sad, to seek out the lonely, to aid the needy, to shine our light in the darkness, so the world is a better place, because we passed through it .
Mary Jacob 