I suspect your pastor was pointing to a very important truth: Christ didn’t only come into the world that first Christmas night in Bethlehem, but He wants to come into our lives today, and every day of the year.

Never forget: Jesus Christ didn’t just live on earth 2,000 years ago. He is alive today, and although He’s now in Heaven, He continues to work on our behalf through His Spirit. And when we put our faith and trust in Him, He comes to live within us and guide us and we submit our lives to Him. In other words, we now have a personal relationship with Him—and He wants us to walk with Him and enjoy His presence every day.

Why is this possible? It’s possible because that baby who was born to Mary was more than just another man—He was God in human flesh. He came into the world for one reason: to make it possible for our sins to be forgiven, so we could become part of God’s family forever. He did this by becoming the final and complete sacrifice for our sins—and even now He is in Heaven praying for us. The Bible says, “Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them” (Hebrews 7:25).

Don’t leave Jesus in the manger; don’t remember Him only at Christmas. Instead, learn to walk with Him every day, as you pray and read His Word and ask Him to help you.

Ask Jesus into your life today.