Bible scholars disagree about the exact date of Christ’s birth. They also don’t know if the Church of the Nativity (which is visited every day by pilgrims in Bethlehem) is the exact location of His birth. None of us can understand how a virgin girl could conceive a child by the power of the Holy Spirit. But we don’t have to know all the details of when, where, or how Jesus was born. All we need to know is why. ‘For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life’ (John 3:16 NIV). There are only four things that matter: 1) If Christ hadn’t come, we wouldn’t know who God is. 2) If Christ hadn’t come, our sins would still be unforgiven. The name Jesus means ‘Jehovah saves!’ John the Baptist called Him ‘the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world’ (John 1:29 NIV). 3) If Christ hadn’t come, our prayers would be unanswered. In Bible days, you needed a priest to petition God on your behalf. But Jesus is our High Priest who ‘understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most’ (Hebrews 4:15-16 NLT). 4) If Christ hadn’t come the first time, we wouldn’t have the promise that He’ll return a second time ‘to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him’ (Hebrews 9:28 NLT). Today, let’s focus on those four things, and thank God for His Son.

What now?

In the middle of the Christmas celebrations, take a few minutes (either alone or with friends and family), to reflect on the miracle of Jesus’ birth, and give thanks for our salvation through Him.