Bah! humbug - decorations, crackers, Christmas trees, mistletoe and wine. What is it all about?

It’s all too easy to have a cynical view of Christmas and it’s true that excesses and overspending have given Christmas a bad name.

But, when you go back to the first Christmas and focus on the stable where Jesus was born, there is a wonder to behold that gripped the shepherds and the angels over 2000 years ago.

What makes this story so wonderful for us is when it is mixed with faith. The eye of faith sees beyond the tinsel and sees a new born baby in humble surroundings promised long ago as the one who would “save His people from their sins”.

The eye of faith sees the Nativity story as God’s amazing plan in sending the God-Man into the world as the Saviour who died on the cross for sinners.

Putting Christ into Christmas is the key to a happy Christmas

Will you dare to have another look at what really happened in Bethlehem long ago?

Looking at the stable reminds us of all the different places that people can find themselves at this time of the year – hospitals, care homes, in essential services, in the armed forces, far from loved ones or even on our own. But, we can know the presence of God wherever we are through the Lord Jesus Christ. As the Bible says “they will call him Immanuel – which means, God with us”.

Wherever you find yourself this Christmas - God is there. His love for sinners is so great that he sent his one and only son to die for all those who put their trust in Him whatever the circumstance. We can trust Him at any time and anywhere. Why not begin this Christmas believe in Him for the very first time? Trusting in Christ and leaving your old life behind is the beginning of a new life with God. Receiving the greatest gift of all - the Lord Jesus Christ - will give your life meaning and a peace that passes all understanding.

We have the opportunity this Christmas to take that trip to the stable. As the angels said to the shepherds,“ Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger”.

A living and loving relationship with God through Jesus is offered to us this Christmas.

Jesus Christ, the greatest gift of all has come to our world to rescue sinners.

Will you receive him?

Take the humbug out of Christmas – and become a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ.