Every December, the world shifts. Streets sparkle. Stores swell. Bells are ringing. Children count down the days. Families gather. Music fills the air. Even people who don’t believe in Christ still believe in Christmas. Why? Because the season brings the delight of decorations, the warmth of gatherings, the thrill of gifts, the nostalgia of memories and the promise of a fresh start as the end of the year approaches.

It’s the one time of year when the world tries to manufacture joy. We string it up in lights, wrap it in paper, and pipe it through speakers. But as beautiful as all that is, it’s till just surface joy…joy that fades when the lights come down, the bills come due, and the year turns over.

But for the believer, Christmas is not about what we put under the tree; it’s about what God placed in the world. It’s not about seasonal cheer…it’s about eternal change. It’s not about momentary happiness…it’s about Messianic hope.

Christmas is special because Christ stepped into our barrenness...(Continued)