SO here it is…Merry Christmas…everybody’s having fun. And Christmas can be a lovely time when family and friends get together and enjoy a meal and games with each other. And maybe remember that Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.

Except it wasn’t like that when it happened. As you will know from what we know which is that Jesus was born in a stable, not the most hospitable place at all, as there was no room at the nearby inn.

The tyrant known as Herod the Great, who ruled in that part of the world, was troubled when he heard about the birth of Jesus.

He considered Jesus a potential threat to his throne and sought to deceive the wise men who had come to worship Jesus. Herod’s plan was to kill Jesus, and he ordered the killing of all male children in Bethlehem who were two years old or younger. This event is known as the Massacre of the Innocents; just imagine if you had a male child that age. Fortunately, Jesus’ family was able to escape to Egypt and remained there until Herod was dead.

Jesus was born into a troubled world, perhaps just like today. Wars and fighting. Yet this Jesus was like no other. First, his birth came about without the help of an earthly man. His mission was and remains to bring people back to God. He didn’t come to fight, He wasn’t an army general, He came to bring peace.

His birth was heralded by angels who spoke to shepherds on the hillside. He grew up to bring light and hope. He healed the sick, brought people back to life, fed thousands miraculously and then gave His life to make that way back to God for us all, by taking the penalty for all our wrong doing on his shoulders. He then died an awful death, yet rose from the dead three days later.

What a story and confirmed true by so many. And this Christmas He comes to you and me, calling us by our names, and invites us to get to know Him. What would you have? Tinsel and Christmas lights or meeting Someone so special He will change your life forever. The real meaning of Christmas.