Luke 2 : 8 - 14 "8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings (news) of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger." 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host (many angels) praising God and saying: 14 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"

Why do we celebrate Jesus' birthday so differently from other birthdays? When it's time to honour historical figures who have a day set aside for them, we don't think about them as babies. We don't have pictures of cute little Abraham Lincoln in his log cabin in Kentucky, USA (or cute little Nelson Mandela in his little hut in Eastern Cape, South Africa). No, we remember him for his contributions as an adult.

For Jesus, though, it is proper that today we celebrate Him as a child. Think about it. When He was born, shepherds came to honour Him (Luke 2 : 15 + 16). Later, wise men brought Him gifts (Matthew 2 : 8 - 12). These people had no idea what Christ would eventually accomplish. But there were right in doing what they did, because Jesus' birth was the most remarkable event in human history.

Jesus as a baby was remarkable because he was God in human form. He was the Creator of the universe visiting this planet (earth). Never shrink from celebrating this baby at Christmas. Marvel at His incarnation (God changed into man), and stand in awe of wiggly baby who had created His worshippers. Then step back in wonder, for the story gets even better. This divine baby grew into a perfect man who willingly died for your sins and mine.

Celebrate the baby, but trust the Saviour. That's how to make CHRISTmas complete. - Dave Branon

How wonderful that we on Christmas morn,
Though centuries have passed since Christ was born,
May worship still the Living Lord of men,
Our Saviour, Jesus, Babe of Bethlehem. - Hutchings

NO CHRISTMAS, NO EASTER!