For those who are curious about Christmas’ meaning, let me give a very brief explanation about what Christmas is all about?  Most people know that it represents the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem, Israel over 2000 years ago.  So, what’s the big deal about that?

In brief, Christianity is born from that moment- when Jesus entered the world.  You see, religion is generally understood to be “mankind’s best effort to reach God (or gods) and find meaning.”  That’s what religion does.  Its adherents aspire to reach, know, understand and please God.  Christianity is somewhat the opposite.  It is “God’s best effort to reach mankind and offer meaning.”

Prophets had been predicting the coming of a Messiah or Savior for centuries. With unusual agreement in every detail, Jesus came fitting those prophetic descriptions to the T.  And, he didn’t disappoint those hoping to find someone who wants to know God.  Because, Jesus claimed and Christians believe that he was actually God incarnate, actually the Son of God who is made of the same stuff.  That means God came to earth to live with us and give us a first-hand glimpse of who God is and as a bonus, actually fixed our brokenness through his own sacrificial death.

People are looking for truth, meaning, purpose, love and hope.  And, they hope to find it in God.  When Jesus, God’s Son, was born, it became very clear in his life and death and resurrection that he brought all of that; yes, all of it.  He taught incredible and still quoted truth.  He loved so unusually, that he died and still offered forgiveness to his persecutors from the cross.  Everyone he healed and who spent time with him sensed that love in unparalleled fashion.  He brought meaning to life- His and everyone else around him.  He pulled no punches about His purpose and ours- loving God and everyone else.  And hope was implicit in everything he said and did.  He backed it all up by talking about heaven, then walking the talk and going there in plain sight of many people, promising to prepare a place for us and also to return.  Those of us who see the full package both from the inside (our faith) and the outside (historic evidence and testimony of others), have no reason to doubt that he has done the first and will do the second.

That’s the essence of it.  The marvelous thing about it is that for those who place their faith in Jesus Christ; the truth, love, meaning, purpose and hope just continue to unfold like an unending stream of life.  I can’t explain how.  I just know that it comes from and was promised by Jesus Christ.  If you are looking to understand, I have given you a brief explanation.  If you are looking to change your life, hopefully the pathway is a little clearer.

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