Did you know that you are God’s much-wanted child?

Who among us can say whether they resulted from a wanted pregnancy? Was their birth really desired? Which of us feels indispensable to others? Do we have people in our lives who love and appreciate us just because we exist? Nothing is worse than feeling unwelcome or out of place. On the other hand, is there anything more beautiful than knowing that you are loved and wanted? God wanted you; that’s why you exist! Did you know?

God’s Son, Jesus, became human in Bethlehem. That was His and His Father’s wish. But to what end? So that everyone who believes in Jesus would become children of God. God doesn’t want anyone to be lost. God is the Creator of all of us; He doesn’t love everything, but He loves everyone. He sees everyone through the lens of salvation, from Bethlehem’s manger to Calvary’s cross.

To commemorate Jesus’ birth at Christmas, we should recognize that everyone is on God’s wish list: the grocery store clerk, the police officer, the drug addict, the prisoner, the illegal immigrant, the billionaire, the unpopular president, the homeless person, the person with a different lifestyle than yours … every man, woman, and child. The Bible says: “But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost” (Tit 3:4-5). You too are invited to stop, repent, and turn to Jesus.

Did you know the role the shepherds played? It’s impossible to have Christmas without shepherds. It says in God’s Word, “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night” (Luke 2:8).

But what was the significance of the shepherds back then?

Jewish literature of the time describes the status of shepherds as very despised. The religious upper class portrayed them as thieves and liars, sinners of the worst sort. The shepherds were among the rabble, with no knowledge of the Law. Their testimony was inadmissible in court. They were deprived of civil rights. The Midrash says, “There is no more disreputable occupation than that of a shepherd.”

Shepherds were unable to fulfill the religious purification requirements, and therefore could not worship in the temple. They mostly slept in the fields or in caves; they were unfamiliar with luxury. They were people who lived far away from both God and others.

It was to these people that Jesus’ birth was first announced, and by an angel no less. The bright light of God’s glory didn’t appear in the stable with Mary and Joseph, nor in the temple with the priests, but among the shepherds. They lived only a small, simple existence, and yet God came into their lives.

No one is insignificant before God.

Did you know what Jesus did for you? “And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger” (Luke 2:12).

Like every year, their aunt had sent her usual Christmas package. Probably another box of chocolates. The wife sized up the box and said ironically to her husband, “Give it to the refugees across the way.” A few days later, the family from another country stood on the front step. They offered their sincere thanks for the chocolates and the 2,000 euros (about $2,320) that were inside the box. The couple had scorned the true value of the contents by overlooking it.

The Bible says of Jesus: “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist” (Col 1:16-17).

Jesus is the Creator through whom God made everything. He became human, wrapped in swaddling clothes. What was the reason for it all? So that we can go to heaven.

Unfortunately, many people respond to Jesus like the married couple responded to their gift. They hardly pay attention to Him or despise Him; they thoughtlessly overlook Him. In doing so, they don’t know the eternal value that Jesus brings, or what they will miss without Him.

Jesus said it Himself: “He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him” (John 5:23b).

Did you know that you have to decide? “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life” (John 5:24).

You have to decide whether to accept a marriage proposal.
You have to decide whether to accept an offer.
You have to decide whether to accept the terms of a contract.
God chose us. He chose you.
Now we have to decide.

Plenty of people think about God, heaven, and forgiveness during the Christmas season. They remember or hear the tale of the birth of Jesus, the Son of God. And at some point, they notice how God has started to quietly speak to their hearts. They notice that God is inviting them. When God begins speaking in your heart, don’t let it be buried again and forgotten. Respond, pray to Jesus, and ask Him to save you. There is only one divine answer to this prayer: “Yes, you’ve been saved!”

The Word of God says: “If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved … For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed … For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (from Rom 10).

Midnight Call - 12/2021