This excerpt from a recent article by a friend/colleague of mine really spoke to me and I thought I would share with you guys.

“Based on the Christmas story, nearly everyone’s perception of Christ is one of a baby that was born into a Roman-controlled world, grew up innocently, and died viciously at the hands of powerful men. After that ostensible disaster the Son of God was raised from the dead by the Heavenly Father and miraculously transported to Heaven about six weeks after the Resurrection. What most do not take time to comprehend is that the whole story was by design. His life was not one that was taken . . . it was His gift to a creation that rebelled against Him. He didn’t have to be born into a family of common Jewish residents in a sandy little village that you wouldn’t even know the name of if He hadn’t arrived there. The tiny boy didn’t have to grow up just to submit to burly Roman soldiers who hammered nails into His hands and mocked Him as He hung dying on the cross. He didn’t have to resist temptation and endure cruelty in this world we exist in so that He might have a human life to give – He carefully designed it that way. It was His gift to you. His gift was not to people who loved Him or had given Him favors. The little life in the manger was a gift to a world that first rejected Him. He didn’t satisfy Himself with retaliation but instead chose to give us a second chance. For Him it was all about us.  For us it should be all about Him. Merry Christmas!”

- Kevin Williamson

I hope everyone has a safe and Christ-filled Christmas!