On that first Christmas, did the Creator-God of the universe actually become a flesh-and-blood baby? That’s what Christians say. That’s what Jesus claimed. Either Jesus was the great “Immanuel” (God with us) or the greatest imposter of all times.
Simply put, the Christmas story is either true or false. It’s not a matter of being able to understand it. It’s a matter staking your life and eternity on the truth of it.
When Billy Graham turned 95, he posted on a billboard over Times Square in New York City with what he called his last message to America, “With all my heart, I want to leave you with truth.”
Deep down that’s what we all want—the truth. Nothing hurts more than being deceived, especially by someone who says “I love you. You can trust me.” Truth is the foundation of all relationships and society.
That’s why Billy Graham, the internationally loved evangelist, based his entire life and message on one foundational belief—our only hope is found in one truth—Jesus was God in human flesh. He is the only truth on which you can count. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)
No matter what problems or questions confront us, ultimately we must look to Jesus for our solutions and answers. Maybe you’re like me; you’ve tried other ways to find the truth, to know what’s right and wrong, to know what you should do. I found that all the other roads I took just lead me to more confusion and disappointment.
When anti-Christians or even honest-seekers question the truth of the Christmas story, I’ve found that it doesn’t usually help to argue about or debate the reality of the truth of the story. Let’s do what the angels, the shepherds, the wise men, Jesus, and his disciples did. Let’s simply keep on retelling and singing the beautiful and glorious story of that first Christmas.
Truth needs no explanation. It needs to be discovered and announced more than explained. Tell about how our great Creator-God so loved his sinful children that He came to earth as a little baby. Tell how he lived as an example for us, died on the Cross for our sins. He rose from the dead. He lives in Spirit and will live in us if we give him our lives. And, because He lives in us, we have eternal life.
And, by the way, to make a big impact, you don’t have to put that truth on a billboard in Times Square. You can simply tell the Christmas story to your children, grandchildren, friends and anyone who will listen. God will do the rest.
Have a blessed Christmas,
Bill
Author of Healthy Faith & The Christ Life