Have you ever opened a Christmas present and had to ask, “What is it?” Perhaps it was some new type of technology or perhaps a unique toy. You were grateful for the gift, but also not 100% certain what you were looking at. “What is it?” Today, as we look into the manger, we ask that question. In this case, the question is not quickly or easily answered. It requires both deep thought and humble awe. We are looking at the same God who once told the prophet Moses, “No one may see me and live.” Yet, Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds all saw their holy God and survived. How? God became human, hiding his glory within our flesh, so that he might come to us without instilling fear or dread.

“What is it?” This gift is God and man in one person, exactly what humanity needed to deliver us from our greatest enemies: sin, death, and Satan. On the Festival of Christmas, we thank God for this greatest of gifts.

God Gives Heaven’s Best Gift in Earth’s Unlikeliest Place

Advent marks the start of a new Church Year and helps us prepare for the coming our Savior. With family gatherings and shopping for presents, delicious food and Christmas songs, we feel the Christmas season is knocking at the door. The time to celebrate and remember the birth of the Savior is right around the corner. Let us come together this Advent and remember what His coming is really all about. A real Christmas results in knowing the real Jesus.

On Christmas Eve a choir of angels sang, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” So, where is this peace on earth? Between nations? There are always wars going on somewhere. In our country? True eternal peace comes through Christ. Because of what Christ did as our Savior, there is no hostility between us and God, only peace and love. We have the peace of salvation in our hearts, as we turn from one year to another.

Good News of Great Joy! God Became Man! Christmas Day fills us with wonder–that the Creator God could become flesh and dwell among us. This shows His great love for us. This is the Savior we need! Where we have failed, Jesus was perfect. His sacrifice means the forgiveness of sins! Let us marvel at this good news of great joy!

Good News of Great Joy! The King shall come–just as promised.

This life-changing story tells us that you are loved and you are forgiven.  No matter who you are, no matter what you’ve done, through faith in Christ, we have forgiveness.  When you know that truth but you kind of ignore it, it’s like driving outside at night without lights.  You are ignoring the truth and it is dangerous.  Even when it’s foggy, life gets hard.  We need help.  We need the Light.  We need the truth.  That’s what Christ is.

As you hear this story today, don’t just think “Do I like this?”  Think about how we worshipped and what our Savior means to us–that He has come to be one of us, to live for us, to die for us, and that He rose again to show that our sins are forgiven.  Take to heart this true, life-changing message as you hear what a wonderful story this is. 

This life-changing story tells us that you are loved and you are forgiven.  No matter who you are, no matter what you’ve done, through faith in Christ, we have forgiveness.  When you know that truth but you kind of ignore it, it’s like driving outside at night without lights.  You are ignoring the truth and it is dangerous.  Even when it’s foggy, life gets hard.  We need help.  We need the Light.  We need the truth.  That’s what Christ is.

As you hear this story today, don’t just think “Do I like this?”  Think about how we worshipped and what our Savior means to us–that He has come to be one of us, to live for us, to die for us, and that He rose again to show that our sins are forgiven.  Take to heart this true, life-changing message as you hear what a wonderful story this is. 

“I bring you good news of great joy…. A Savior has been born.” Think of what the angel’s statement means. If you believe you are basically a decent person—not perfect, but good enough—you can still enjoy the carols and appreciate the pretty lights. You can still relish giving presents and gathering with family. But you will not have “great joy” this Christmas. For the angel said that the “good news of great joy” was the fact that “a Savior has been born.” One cannot truly celebrate Christmas unless one believes he needs salvation.