Across the state of Nebraska, the colors of the Christmas lights are gleaming across the roads. On our radios, carols of reindeer and snowmen play spreading the joy of Christmas. In our homes, the trees are being set up adorned with ornaments and twinkling lights filled with the scent of cookies coming out of the oven. Our Children are anxious to look under the trees to see presents wrapped in bright colors and ribbons. The gifts of the Christmas season do much to spread joy into the hearts of old and young alike. But all of these gifts, no matter how fun or special, compare to the greatest gift of all- our Savior Jesus Christ.

Our world is certainly full of sin and brokenness but the true meaning of Christmas gives us a reason to celebrate. The Gospel of John tells us that God did not send his Son to condemn the world, but to save it. Christ came to us as a baby in the humblest of beginnings. After traveling nearly a hundred miles, there was no room for the expecting Mary and Joseph at the inn. With no other option but a manger, God chose the most meager of all cradles to be the throne for the King of Kings. Baby Jesus’ birth was celebrated by a heavenly choir of angels and humble shepherds alike. They celebrated with great cause because the newly born babe would grow to become the savior of all. Jesus Christ was tried, crucified, and died redeeming all believers of their sins. He arose from the dead and ascended into heaven, but God’s story is not finished. He will come again to judge the living and the dead bringing redemption to our world.

The true meaning of Christmas is more joyful, exciting, and meaningful than any present laid under the tree. All of our other traditions that so many families enjoy are wonderful, but they are only signs and symbols of our great holiday. The presents under the tree are of this world, and when our time is over, we can’t take them with us. Instead, this Christmas Jesus Christ offers his followers an everlasting gift of priceless value- everlasting life.