A friend of mine said once that the birth of Jesus was the most important event in human history. I don't really agree with this. After all, lots of great people have been born over the centuries, so what makes Jesus so special? — A.B.

Today Christians around the world will celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ over 2,000 years ago, and the reason is because they -- like your friend -- are convinced Jesus was the most important person who ever lived.

Why do we say this? We say it because Jesus Christ was more than just another great philosopher or religious teacher. The Bible tells us that He was God in human flesh -- that is, He was both fully man and fully God. At Christmas, God came down from heaven and became a tiny baby -- and that baby was Jesus! Jesus wasn't just a godly man -- He was God Himself in human form.

I know this is hard to understand; how could the all-powerful God who created the whole universe also become a man? And yet it's true -- and that's what sets Jesus Christ apart from every other person who has ever lived. As the angel said to Joseph (who was engaged to the virgin Mary), "'The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel' -- which means, 'God with us'" (Matthew 1:23).

Why did Jesus Christ leave heaven's glory and come down to this earth? He did it for one reason: So that someday you and I could share in heaven's glory. Sin separates us from God, but by His death and resurrection Jesus Christ opened heaven's gate for us. This Christmas may you accept the greatest gift of all into your life -- the gift of God's Son, Jesus Christ.