"And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn." -Luke 2:7

I love Christmas! Who doesn’t? I mean, there’s snow (hopefully), Christmas trees, lights, holly, gingerbread houses, friends and family going almost 24/7, and lots and lots of Christmas music! What’s not to like? But, even though that is all fun and good, it’s not the real meaning of Christmas. Unfortunately, a lot of people do just celebrate for those reasons. The real reason for Christmas is Jesus Christ.

Jesus came to save us from our sins. He was born unto a virgin, Mary, who was betrothed to Joseph. But an angel came to tell Mary that she was to be the mother of Jesus. Joseph had the right to have Mary stoned when he found out she was pregnant. That was the law. But then one night an angel appeared to him and said, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. Matthew 1:20-21. Joseph believed the angel of God and took Mary as his wife.

Now it happened that Caesar Augustus declared that the people should be taxed. All were to go to their own cities, the city of their ancestors. So Joseph left Galilee taking Mary with him, and headed out to Bethlehem, the city of David, because he was of the house of David. When they reached Bethlehem they could find no room in any of the inns. Mary was then ready to deliver. Joseph could find only a stable and that is where Mary gave birth to the Son of God.  There were no bells ringing, no crowds of people, only Mary, Joseph and the animals.

Christ didn’t have a magnificent entrance. He had a humble entrance. He had a humble life! He lived His life serving others and bringing others to God. And do you know what He got in return? Scorn. Pain. Death. We realize this and are stunned! The Bible says that God is love. If we give our lives to Him, He will give us eternal life!

So this Christmas, when you see the celebrating, remember Christ was God’s gift to us! The gift of eternal life! So make this your song this Christmas and every Christmas after: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will toward men!”