There is a great deal of celebrating at Christmas. The arrival of Jesus celebrates the coming of ‘Immanuel – which means God with us’ (Matthew 1v23). But what if he had never been born? Putting aside the fact that it would dent the accounts of the retailers, there are a lot of things riding on his birth!
The world would look and sound very different. We’d miss many of our community buildings – the churches and cathedrals, the establishment of schools, the development of health care and the hospice movement to name just a few. There would be a gap in works of art: paintings, sculptures, stained glass windows and embroidery. It would sound very different: a huge array of music and song is inspired by Jesus – not just Christmas carols, but also Handel’s Messiah, stage shows and songs that top the charts. We’d even lose a massive amount of literature: novels, biographies, poetry and prose. The law of the land would be different as many are based on principles found in the best selling book which is the Holy Bible.
If Jesus had not been born we would not have his perfect life and teachings which not only show us the difference between right and wrong but also reveal the character, love and will of God to the world.
If Jesus had not been born we would have no way to be forgiven for all the wrong we have done or the right that we have failed to carry out. We would then not be able to know peace with God for only through Jesus can the forgiveness of sins be proclaimed as certain for all who humbly trust in his death on the cross: ‘you will give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins’ (Mt 1v21).
If Jesus had not come then there would be no way of going to heaven when we die, as his own death was a self-sacrifice for others, so as to open the way to heaven: ‘For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day’ (John 6v40).
Lots of things rely on the birth of Jesus: it is part of history and shapes daily life. Will you give time to considering its significance this year?
You are invited to join us for a Christmas service: to hear again of God’s great plan for the world; to take time out of a busy life to hear about the difference this makes; join with others to worship the King.
Wishing you a happy Christmas.
Paul Kingman