“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11).

Christmas means many things to many people according to their backgrounds, ages, and interests. For born-again believers, it means that God loved them, regarded their lost condition, and did something about it by giving the best gift ever. Our Savior was laid in a manger for His cradle (Luke 2:7). He came to experience everything man must experience, “yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15), and then die on our behalf on the cross (Hebrews 9:28). One day He will return and be crowned King of kings with every knee bowing and every tongue confessing that He is Lord (Philippians 2:9–11).

Therefore it is important for a Christian to have a right Christmas! Here are some ingredients to include in our celebration: A right Christmas includes making room for Jesus. The innkeeper reminds us of those who have no room for Him. We should be sure our hearts are not so full of other things that there is no room for Him this Christmas. A right Christmas includes worship and the grace of giving. We should take time for special worship today, and give, as God gave His Son. We should also follow the example of the wise men who “fell down, and worshiped Him, and . . . presented unto Him gifts” (Matthew 2:11). A right Christmas includes telling others. The shepherds “made known abroad” what they had seen and heard (Luke 2:17). What an opportune time we have at Christmas to tell others its real meaning!

Were the angels mistaken when they talked about peace on earth and good will to men (Luke 2:14) since we have so much hurt today? No, the peace God offers is for those who will trust His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, as Savior and Lord. JGH