I would like for you to consider the following scenario…what if Jesus hadn’t come to earth, there was no Christ child, no incarnation, and no Christmas? Try to imagine what History would look like for the last 2000 years without Christ, without His words, and without the New Testament!

  I believe that total chaos would have ruled the last 2000 years! Without the influence of Christ and Christianity on History evil would have scored a total victory. Think of all the humanitarian efforts, the building of hospitals, the healing and feeding of countless millions. Multitudes of people’s lives that wouldn’t have been changed by the message and power of Christ! Without the message of the birth, life, and death of Christ and His influence on the world the possibility exists that none of us would be here today because of a nuclear catastrophe! But if mankind had somehow survived total annihilation what kind of society would there be without the influence of Christ on our world?

Then imagine further with me that Christmas never was and never to be! No giving of gifts, no cheerful acts of kindness, Christmas carols or Christmas trees! No Churches, no Cantatas, and no Holiday cheer. No stories of the wonderful birth of the baby Jesus. No message of hope, joy, or peace on earth, good will to men? No message of loving one another. Worst of all, NO CHRIST!

More importantly, what difference would it have made in your life if Christ had never existed or been born in your live? Yes, that is the question that really can make you think! What difference has Christ made in your live? Where would you and I be without having ever heard the story about how God decided to become one of us and, “pitch His tent “ with us to dwell in human flesh? The Apostle Paul writes in chapter two of the book of Ephesians that we should remember what we once were without Christ! Paul says that we were without hope!! And that really does sum up what it would mean for the whole world but especially for those of us who have received Him in a personal and intimate way.

It is so easy to get caught up with all the shopping, ceremonies, music, and celebrations to take for granted the glorious Incarnation and miraculous wonder of the Christ Child. Maybe it’s time to pause for a moment right now for us to lift our thanks and gratitude to God for coming to earth and for the incredible difference Christ has made in our lives .To be grateful for the gifts of hope, joy, peace, and love. Think of all the evil things He has delivered you from and praise Him for it!! Taste of the joy and peace that only Christ can give right now!

Martin Luther wrote these words long ago but they are still very relevant. He said, “We must listen not just to history, but to a gift “! Most of us will hear the Christmas story several times over the next month. We will look back into history to recall what happened that glorious night long ago. But as we look back let us not forget the wondrous gift that came bundled up, wrapped in love, and sent from heaven to bless all mankind! Furthermore let us look to the present and may our prayer be that the Spirit of Christ “be born in us” today, fresh and new. May we honor and serve Him by following His message and doing what He said for us to do. Share His message of love, hope, joy, and peace to others not only at Christmas but moment by moment throughout our lives. May we never take for granted the wonder of the Incarnation. But also remember that the miracle of His birth is re-created over and over again in the lives of all who will receive Him and let His Spirit be born and grow in their lives!

Let me leave you with the words from one of the great Christmas carols:

O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray,

Cast out our sin and enter in;

Be born in us today.

We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell,

O come to us abide with us;

Our Lord Emmanuel.

Amen!

Written by David Arivett

Copyright 2002