Christmas Changed the World
This tract was written by an English teacher. It was not written or produced by any particular religious group or denomination. It is provided free of charge as an expression of God’s love for mankind.
The Busiest Time of the Year
As I sit here pondering my Christmas to-do list, I find myself wondering where all of this began. From Christmas cards to cookies and decorations to parties, all of the activity throughout the holiday season leaves little time to focus on the true meaning of Christmas. While I enjoy many aspects of Christmas, it is my prayer that we can all slow down a bit, as we remember that special night so long ago, for the very heart of Christmas was born a little over two thousand years ago.
A King is Born
On the first Christmas night, there were no last-minute holiday sales or
revolving Christmas trees adorned with twinkling lights. No one wrote
Christmas cards and no one bought gifts for the annual office Christmas
party. On that glorious night, a bright star lit up the heavens, announcing
the birth of the King of kings and Lord of lords. The first Christmas night,
while quite humble compared to the fanfare we have today, was the moment
that changed the world forever. Although Jesus Christ was born in a manger,
He grew up to save the world. Jesus Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords, was born in a stable.
There were not thousands of people on hand to witness this grandiose event.
No paparazzi or news reporters were there to cover this significant moment
in history. Instead, a few Wise Men and some shepherds were the ones who
came to congratulate the new parents. But with all of its imperfections,
this first Christmas was absolutely perfect because it was the birthday of
the King. This Christmas, do not dwell on trying to create the perfect Christmas.
Instead, ask God to give you a blessed Christmas. It does not matter if you
wrap gifts the night before Christmas, or if the cookies get a little too
brown on the bottom. And no one will know if you made the whole meal from
scratch or took a few shortcuts here and there. What really matters is
whether or not you and your family spend time together and whether or not
you take time to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. The Greatest Gift
This Christmas, I am striving to keep my eyes on Jesus Christ. Even as I
select special items to give to my family and friends, I want these items to
remind them of my love for them and in turn, the love that Jesus has for all
of us. To me, the greatest joy in giving a gift is sharing my love with
someone else. I truly believe that it is more blessed to give than receive.
So did God. But He did not give us another pair of socks, a gift card to our
favorite restaurant, or a new smartphone. He gave us His only Son, Jesus
Christ, as the greatest gift ever given in the history of humanity. Then,
Jesus truly gave His all, just for you and me. A Gift of Love
Following in His Father’s footsteps, Jesus gave of Himself by healing the
sick, raising the dead, and performing many miracles. Jesus helped others
more than we will ever know. God’s Word says, “Jesus did many other things
as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the
whole world would not have room for the books that would be written” (John
21:25). Jesus did more than any other person in the history of the world.
But He did not stop there. When Jesus was thirty-three years old, He made
the ultimate sacrifice by giving his life, so we could receive the gift of
eternal life. Why? First John 3:16 says, “This is how we know what love is:
Christ laid down His life for us.” Jesus gave His life because He loved us.
Jesus’ level of giving sort of makes that beautiful scarf you bought for
your grandmother or the train set you picked out for your children pale in
comparison doesn’t it? That is the beauty of gift giving though. Jesus gave
of Himself, expecting nothing in return. Even now, He does not expect any
form of repayment. We will either accept or reject this precious gift that
has been freely extended to every man, woman, boy, and girl. We all need a
Savior. Romans 3:23 says, “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of
God.” Through the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, our sins can be
erased. This Christmas season, embrace the love of Jesus Christ. If you write
Christmas cards to family and friends, decorate gingerbread cookies, or
enjoy shopping for all of the special gift recipients on your list, remember
why we celebrate this holiday in the first place. Jesus Christ is the reason
for it all. Without the birth of Jesus Christ, Christmas would not be
CHRISTmas. On that first Christmas night, love came down to earth. Hope was
born. Eternal hope found only through Jesus Christ. That is how Christmas
changed the world. The Gift of Eternal Life
Put your trust in Jesus Christ. Jesus will cleanse your sins and fill you
with peace that passes all understanding. Today is the day of salvation (2
Cor. 6:2). Romans 10:9 says, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is
Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will
be saved.” Jesus loves you unconditionally. Jesus died to save you. He rose again
and wants to give you eternal life. If you are looking for everlasting hope,
a constant friend and help in times of trouble, pray these words: Dear Jesus, Thank You for loving me unconditionally. I believe
You died on the cross and rose again. Please forgive me of my sins. Come
into my heart and make me a new creation. I want to live for You. Help me
share Your love with others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. If you prayed this prayer, I encourage you to read the Bible, find a
church family who can encourage you in your new walk with Christ, and most
importantly, pray for God to help you. May God bless you always,
Jennifer Campbell
jennifer@christwillreturn.org
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