In the most unlikely of places, in the most mysterious way, God blessed this world with an indescribable Gift. The Savior of all was born in an obscure town, in a crude stable, to an impoverished virgin.

God sent Jesus to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8). Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus undid the deeds with which Satan intended to steal, kill, and devastate. For the diseased, His touch brought healing. For the poverty-stricken, He proved more than enough.

For the oppressed, He broke off the shackles to give joyous freedom. At Calvary, He saved people from their sins. He bore our shame so we can go boldly to the Father’s throne to receive mercy and grace for our needs.

For this glorious Gift, our joy cannot be contained! This is not a treasure to be buried beneath holiday traditions or celebrated only one day a year. Because of the wellspring of His life in our inner beings, we pour out His praises.

Like the shepherds on that Bethlehem night, we “make widely known” all that God has done for us. Like the heavenly host, we bring the “good tidings of great joy.” The free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ for all people!