From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Christmas often is just thought of as a time to give and receive gifts, but what is behind this idea? The answer is simple: The reason for Christmas first and foremost is that God “gave” His most precious Son to the whole world. God sent Him down to Earth to save the people from their sin. He came as hope to a dying world.

People came from near and far to worship the Christ child, and some brought gifts. What were these gifts? They were symbolic gifts that spoke of a future day when Christ would “give” His life in atonement for the sins of mankind.

Christmas tells us that at a specific time and at a specific place, a specific Person was born. In the words of a favorite carol “Silent Night,” that Person was the “Holy Infant, so tender and mild”—the Lord Jesus Christ. He came “to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10).

Christmas is not a day of selfishness and focusing on the things we receive. Christ is about giving to others. But most of all, Christmas is a time to recognize what God has done for the human race. And nothing is greater than receiving this gift from God above, for with it comes the certainly of eternal life in Heaven with Him forever.

God has not left us alone. He sent Jesus to rescue us! He wants us to know Him and experience life the way He created it to be. What a wonderful gift!

(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)

Have you received God’s free gift of salvation? Start here.