“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end.” (Is 9:6-7)

Christmas began with the birth of Christ in Bethlehem over 2000 years ago! The story of his birth in a humble manger, heralded by choirs of angels and witnessed by local shepherds, never grows old. Although traditions may differ, Christmas is still the most loved and celebrated holiday all around the world today.

This is because of who Jesus is and what he was born to accomplish. As the angels declared to the shepherds that wondrous night – “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Lk 2:11)

Jesus was both God and man. The reasons for this are as follows:

1.   He had to be a man to truly experience the human condition. (Heb 4:15)
2.   He had to be a man to legally represent mankind before God. (Rom 5:18-19)
3.   He had to be God to be sinless with no inherent or acquired sin. (1 Pet 1:18-19)
4.   He had to be God to withstand Satan and overcome every temptation. (Matt 4:1-11)
5.   He had to be God to defeat death and rise from the dead. (Rev 1:18)

This means, not only does Christmas begin with Christ but…

1.   Salvation begins with Christ. “There is no other name, given under heaven among men, by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12) It is only through the shed blood of Christ that men can find right-standing with God and eternal life with him.
2.   Life begins with Christ! “And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins.” (Eph 2:1)
3.   Healing begins with Christ. When Jesus hung on the cross and was beaten and tortured by the Roman soldiers, he was suffering on our behalf. “By his stripes we are healed.” (Is 53:5) Healing begins with Jesus whether it’s physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual healing that is needed.
4.   Hope begins with Christ. People of every tribe and nation around the world believe in life after death, but without a real basis for hope, they are afraid to die. Only in Christ is there real hope of heaven and reward for this life. (Rom 15:13)
5.   Peace begins with Christ. When we open the door of our lives to the Prince of Peace, we can experience real peace every day. And we can become agents of his peace to the world around us. The world is desperate for peace, but it begins with Christ. (Lk 2:14, Rom 14:17)

Christmas can’t save you – but Jesus can! And Christmas is a wonderful time to accept Jesus as your Saviour, commit yourself to following and serving him, and watching eagerly for the day of His return!

Wishing you a warm and Christ-filled Christmas!

Dr. George Hill
President and Founder, Victory Churches International