Christmas in Three Parts

Part One

Celebration of the Christ Child

Take your thoughts away from tinsel and turkeys, parcels and puddings, and let them dwell on the Christ Child. Then come to the manger to marvel at the tiny new-born baby who was, and is, the Son of God.

When Jesus was born in the stable in Bethlehem all sorts of people came to see him. There were shepherds from the very bottom of society. There were also important academic people who travelled for miles to bring him expensive gifts.

But that’s only the beginning....

Part 2

Christ the Suffering King

Don’t stop at the manger with the baby asleep on the hay. Jesus grew up as the carpenter’s son in Nazareth. Then he began his ministry of teaching and healing. Many people marvelled, but not everyone welcomed him. Those who did not recognise that he came from God condemned him as a criminal.

When they crucified Jesus he took with him all the hurts and sorrows of the world. Jesus doesn’t make bad things go away as if by magic. But he knows all our problems and offers us the strength and power to go on. He too faced sorrow and pain.

Part Three

Christ is for Life, not just for Christmas

The Christmas Story is in three parts because God did not send us a crucified King, but a Risen King. Jesus was raised from death in order that we might be able to come close to God. Jesus is our glorified King for ever.

As you enjoy time with friends or family this Christmas season, don’t forget that the baby in the manger is the same Jesus whom we remember on Good Friday. He is also the glorified king who takes away our imperfections and brings us back to God.

When we are warm, we feel better than when we are cold. When we are in the light, we feel better than in the dark. When we are loved we feel better than when we are ignored.

God loved us so much that He sent Jesus into the world. Now that’s a good reason to celebrate!