"Throughout the Christmas season, we recall that God's love is found in humble places and God's peace is offered to all of us. The simple story we remember during this season speaks to every generation. It is the story of a quiet birth in a little town on the margins of an indifferent empire. Yet that single event set the direction of history and still changes millions of lives. For over two millennia Christmas has carried the message that God is with us and because He's with us, we can always live in hope." ~ George W. Bush

The story is old and has been told well over one hundred zillion times. The story is of an inn, a pregnant virgin, a stable, a manger, a star and a king. It's a story that never grows old, that Someone with a very creative mind and loving heart planned from the foundation of the world. 

Picture with me the scroll being unfolded in a temple in Jerusalem about 740 B.C. The Pharisees and Levites listen attentively as a portion of Scripture is read:

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end.
He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this (Isaiah 9:6-7).

For thousands of years the Israelites expected their Messiah to come in kingly fashion. But instead of being born in a castle this king chose just a manger, the humblest dwelling. Certainly an unpretentious story like this didn't appear to be the fulfillment of these words from Isaiah! The people expected a king who would be heralded on front page news, require trumpets, a large audience, a banquet, fireworks and honor guard. Surely no Jew, no reporter, would discover a king in the shape of a tiny newborn in a stall surrounded by animals and straw. And no one could imagine how this one life could change the world!

Instead of announcing this birth of the King to the prominent citizens and politicians of the land....the angels proclaimed it to a few lowly shepherds.

Imagine one night.....you and your friends watching over your sheep, it's dark and cold. Suddenly, you are engulfed by a bright light and see what could be a spirit or an angel, fear overwhelms you as you hear the angel proclaim:

"Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior 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." Then, another company of heavenly host appear with the angel, they are praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests" (Luke 2:8-15).

That single event, the birth of the Christ-child, set the direction of history and still changes millions of lives. This story of Jesus is a humble story with humble beginnings, the greatest miracles ever witnessed, the greatest claims and promises ever told, the greatest rescue of humankind from the snare of sin and death ever made in history and the greatest hope and display of supernatural love for all who choose to believe. John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”

Jesus still touches lives today. About two years ago, I met a woman in her late 20's who attended our Grief Share class. She could hardly speak about her loss during the class because the sorrow she had was so overwhelming. Her brother had been murdered. Soon after his death her family told her to leave because she was planning to go to school against her parents' will. All family members were told not to contact her again. Through these losses she trusted in Christ personally as her Lord and Savior. God has answered many of her prayers and recently, she has been reunited to her family.

Another woman writes about her experience in finding Jesus: "Well, I am one of those sinners who had to check out everything before accepting Jesus into my heart. With intensity, I sought God everywhere...the Bahai faith, Quaker meetings and more. I turned to the Word, the Bible, because I love to read. About this time, someone said to me, 'If Jesus came here for our sins and was crucified and rose again for us, why can't that be enough for you? Why isn't Jesus enough for you?’ This question really shook me up. I had to ask myself. ‘Why isn't Jesus enough for me? Why isn't what he did enough?’ I remember the day when I began to understand that I am a sinner and that I badly need a Savior! I read about asking Jesus to be the Lord of my life. I prayed and since then, He is my Best Friend ever! From that time, I have enjoyed that peace that surpasses all understanding! “

Maybe you have been asked that same question "Is Jesus enough?” Can you really trust Him with your life? Is the forgiveness He offers enough to cleanse you? Is His offer of eternal life something you can count on? Is this Jesus powerful enough to change your life today and give you courage to face tomorrow? As you are faced with these questions hear what Jesus says in the New Testament:

"I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father but by me."

"I am the resurrection and the life......he who believes in me will live."

"I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end."

"I am the good shepherd.....I lay down my life for the sheep."

"I am going to prepare a place for you and will come back for you."

This Christmas season, take time to share this eternal message of salvation, God’s greatest gift to humankind. Let others know that when you choose Jesus, when He is at the center of all you do, you can discover peace and joy. Jesus, the King, promises hope in our despair, help when we hurt, purpose in our journey, comfort and blessings in our suffering.

~ Lynette J. Hoy, is a marriage and family counselor, speaker, writer and the Chicagoland Chair of Community and Business Women for Christ.

Her book, What's Good About Anger? can be ordered online at: www.whatsgoodaboutanger.com or Amazon.com. Visit her other sites: www.hoyweb.com , www.counselcareconnection.org , www.cbwc.net , www.lifecareweb.com.