“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and did not comprehend it.” John 1:1–5
I love the Christmas story and never get tired of hearing it or telling it. It truly is the most powerful of all stories. And best of all, it’s completely true!
BEFORE BETHLEHEM
The real story of Christmas goes way, way back before Bethlehem, before Mary and Joseph, before the shepherds and wise men and innkeepers and King Herod and all of the people who played a part at that great hinge of history two thousand years ago.
Christmas is the story of an arrival, but it is also the story of a departure. He arrived on Earth, but He departed from Heaven. What I appreciate about the Christmas story is it does not begin with the words, “Once upon a time” because it is not a fairytale. It is actually a true story. The birth of Christ is a factual historical event.
HOPE
Many of us try to find joy and happiness in Christmas when we really need to find joy and happiness in Christ Himself. When you place your hopes and expectations on a particular celebration or a special day on the calendar, you’ll find yourself disappointed again and again. But when you place your hopes and expectations on the Lord Himself, He will never, never let you down. And this hope will not lead to disappointment.
Have you asked Him to come into your life yet?
Join Pastor Jeff Christianson as we dive deeper into this discussion. Watch the full study in the video above!