For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name is called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Father of Eternity, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 KJV

How beautiful those words are, sung to Handel’s ‘Messiah’ heard at Christmastide.  

So, at this time of year, we celebrate. We might give gifts, gather with family, decorate our homes and workplace, play the “Santa” game, ...But the real reason is Jesus.

Why is He so important that His birthday should be celebrated throughout the world? Isn’t it remarkable really?

Yeshua (Jesus) came. It was prophesied in the Old Testament over and over with exact details of His coming. He fulfilled every prophesy. It was no surprise to those who had studied the Scripture. They were waiting for Him. Those in power feared Him and hunted for Him. But, Jesus came to restore us to righteous fellowship with God.

Why does that mean so much? That He came? 

Have you ever been sick of yourself? I have. Have you thought about things you said in haste, things you didn’t do that you knew you should? Have you felt worthless? Have you re-lived the past and wished you could do things differently again? Have you wondered ever if you could do anything right? Have you ever lost hope?

We all have felt this way at times.

So, Jesus came into this world as a baby, born of the Spirit, in a man. He not only came, but He came for US...for ME, for YOU. 

So, what’s in it for me? For you? Right now, today? Forgiveness, for one thing. He forgives. We can start anew.

What else? Love. He reaches out to us in love. We get a chance to believe Him; to choose Him, to accept Him, and to receive His love.

Restoration. He restores our wounded souls. He picks us up, cleans us up, kisses our hurts, and says, “You are forgiven. Now let’s start all over. Go and sin no more.”

That’s only a part of this story of this baby born in Bethlehem.

Born in a stable. Did you know that Bethlehem was the place where sacrificial lambs were born and raised? And did you know that those lambs were sacrificed in the temple in Jerusalem? It was on a hill just outside of Jerusalem where Christ was sacrificed as well. 

Wow. So, just for these reasons, with no more detail than this, we can rejoice and celebrate Christmas, understanding why we and the rest of the world keep this season year after year. 

So, let’s celebrate! Merry Christmas! 

Judi Tabler lives in Pawnee County and is a guest columnist for the Great Bend Tribune. She can be reached at juditabler@gmail.com or juditabler@awomansview.