This time of year brings a lot of stress for many people—presents to buy and wrap, decorations to put up, preparing for company and meals, or some may be travelling. Sometimes we are tempted to skip Christmas. But I don’t think we should.If there ever was a time when the world needs Christmas, it is now. I don’t mean the commercial trappings of the season – but the reality and wonder of the truth of the season. What we need to celebrate is not the jolly old Father Christmas, Santa, or good King Wenceslaus, we must celebrate the coming of our Savior.The world needs Christmas – the true meaning of Christmas. The world needs Christmas because the world needs to know some very important truths:First, it is important to remember that God came to us. I think of the Prodigal Son’s father, who was watching the road to see when his son would come home. But God actually came looking for us!Most world religions have a god that is elusive and hard to find. Try as hard as you can, perhaps you can find him in the next life. But the story of Jesus’ birth gives us a very different picture. God came looking for you. He is not hiding – he wants to be known, found.Second, this tells us that God loves us. “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” (John 3:16 ). That is why He came.So many feel unloved and alone. I know life can be hard and leave us feeling empty. But always remember that if Christmas teaches us anything, it teaches us that we are not alone, we are loved deeply. Whatever we experience in this life, it is understood by God because he has been here — He has been one of us.Third, we should remember that God is always true and keeps His word. Throughout the Old Testament God promised to send a redeemer, a savior. Over 300 prophecies foretold God’s promise. The birth of Jesus was the beginning of God’s answer to His promise.Fourth, let’s remember that the reason Jesus was born was so that He would live to show us the way and truth, but ultimately to die to be our Lamb, then on the third day to rise to give us ...
