In my travels, I, like many, have made my way to this sacred place beneath the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Bethlehem. It marks the location of the birth of Jesus Christ. Regardless of what you may believe, it must be agreed that the influence and wide-spread teachings of the Bible, which records this birth, i.e. Luke 2, have had an incalculable impact on the people of the world.
I happen to believe that Jesus Christ is more than a figment of sanctified imaginations, or a concept that is demanded by the psychology of man. I believe, teach, and confess, that Jesus Christ is my personal Savior, and it his birthday and its historical reality that I celebrate at this time of the year.
The embodiment of Christ's teachings may be expressed simply as Christian love. That love is a preoccupation for mankind in his misery by a compassionate and merciful God. That mercy and grace extends hope beyond the pain and loss of our society. With that hope comes peace. Peace of mind, peace in personal relationships, and a peace that transcends all human understanding and extends beyond the limitations of time.
To embrace Jesus is to make him your own and to live according to His principles of faith, hope and acts of kindness (charity). What is more, Christianity is a forgiving religion that expresses or articulates the reality of understanding how to cope with the basic imperfection of each person and all that they do.
The combination of faith, hope, and forgiveness brings about a healing of mind and spirit that demonstrates itself in a confidence and joy that is lived out by those who follow the world view of Bilbical Christianity.
At this time of year, with all of the excitement, distractions, celebrations, special music, and elevated spirit of widespread festivity, I want to wish and pray for you the thrill of finding hope and peace through Jesus. May you have a truly Merry Christmas!
