Jesus

A young couple bends over a baby in a star-lit stable and shepherds and wise men kneel in humble adoration. In the very beginning, Adam and Eve sinned - separating themselves -  and all future people - from a relationship with God. But God had a rescue plan - his son Jesus. For us to fellowship with God, there had to be a perfect sacrifice. All people sin - therefore none of us could bear the penalty of sin - death. Jesus is perfect - he never sinned. He loves us so much that he willingly came onto earth. His mother Mary was a virgin told by an angel that she would conceive and bear a son by the holy spirit. Her fiance Joseph heard from an angel in a dream this was true. At this time Caesar issued a census - telling all men and their families to go to their towns of birth and be registered.

Joseph’s family had come from Bethlehem. So Joseph and Mary returned to Bethlehem with their unborn baby in tow. While in Bethlehem Mary went into labor. Joseph looked for an inn to stay in - but they were all full. Finally, they found an innkeeper who let them stay in his stable with the animals. Jesus was born that night. You know the story - shepherds sang to by angels and wise men following a star. When Jesus grew up he performed miracles - including raising a man from the dead. The Sadducees and Pharisees hated Jesus because he challenged the laws that they had created. They killed Jesus and put him in a sealed tomb. After 3 days Jesus rose from the grave! Now anyone who puts their trust in Jesus and believes in him can have a relationship with God! That's the real reason for Christmas.