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It was a Kleenex moment that Christmas season, for sure. Like the first Christmas, there was a newborn baby involved, but no manger. How about a Jumbotron screen at an Anaheim Ducks hockey game, of all places?

Sergeant First Class Robert Vandenberg had been gone for ten months. He'd never seen his newborn son. He was far away in Afghanistan when little Travis was born. So all eyes were on the big screen when he appeared suddenly to - at least in this small way - be "home" for Christmas.

Skype from Romania. That's how his wife, and his one-year-old son, little Travis would make a connection this Christmas season. But with thousands watching this touching reunion by screen, the technology Grinch suddenly showed up. There was barely time for "hellos" before the sergeant started disappearing in a spasm of static. Sadly, his wife handed the microphone back to a team rep.

At that very moment, Sergeant Vandenberg walked down the steps of the arena and right into the arms of his wife! Then he picked up his new son and held him up in front of him - looking in his eyes for the very first time.

I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "Coming Home for Christmas."

I don't know if they sell Kleenex at the stadium concession stands, but if they do, you can bet they sold out that night. I confess I reached for some when I saw it on TV. I think one of the reasons it touched me is that I saw something else in that moving reunion. I saw the first Christmas. I saw myself.

Christmas - when a God we thought was so far away came down to where we are. To hold us close. In fact, the ancient prophecy of the coming Messiah predicted it. And it's our word for today from the Word of God recorded in Matthew 1:23, "'A virgin shall be with child and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, 'God with us.'" Not just God projected on the screen of some church or religion. But God right here. God up close.

Too often, though, He has seemed far away hasn't He? Like there's a lot of distance between me and the God I really need. It turns out that distance is not just a feeling. It's real. But it's not God's fault. It's mine.

Let's face it, I've wanted to believe in God, but I also want to run my own life. In essence, occupying the driver's seat in my life - a life He gave me. We have, in the words of the Bible, "left God's path to follow our own" (Isaiah 53:6 NLT) and at great cost. Isaiah 59:2 says, "Your sins have cut you off from God." Actually, I knew that. I think we can all feel the distance.

But then...Christmas. As Linus so eloquently quoted to Charlie Brown, "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:11 KJVA). In that stable in Bethlehem, God stepped out of eternity and into time. So He could step into my life and your life and change it forever. Not God as a fuzzy image. Not God far away. God with us. With me. In my home. In my office. In the doctor's office. In my grief. In my loneliness. In my pain. In "the valley of the shadow of death" (Psalm 23:4 KJVA).

But it would come at great expense to Jesus, because 33 years later, the hands of the Bethlehem baby would be nailed to a Roman cross. And today, this one who loved you enough to die for you, who came that Christmas for you and me is reaching out and saying, "On this Christmas day, would you give yourself to Me?" He's been waiting a long time. He's ready now for you to come. You can tell it by the tug you feel in your heart. That won't always be there.

So, right now while you can, say, "Jesus, I'm Yours." Go to our website today if you want more information because there you'll see how to be sure you've begun this relationship on this Christmas day. It's ANewStory.com.

S

Read: Luke 2:8-14; Hebrews 12:1-3

“This is the worst Christmas ever!” Riley told her brother. “Not only did we have to move because of Dad’s job, we have to live in this tiny apartment because we can’t find a house.” She groaned as she tripped over a box on her way to the couch. “There’s no room in here!”

Logan shrugged. “At least we have beds. When Mary and Joseph got to Bethlehem, all they could find was a stable. They probably just had straw.”

“Yeah, well, at least they had the gifts the wise men brought them. We don’t have any presents to open because we’ve been too busy moving that we haven’t had any time to go Christmas shopping!”

“Actually, the wise men didn’t bring gifts to Jesus right when he was born,” Logan said. “They didn’t come until later.”

Riley crossed her arms. “Well, at least they had the angels singing. I can’t download any music because the internet isn’t working!”

“It was actually the shepherds who heard the angels singing—not Mary and Joseph.” Logan looked at his sister. “It sounds like you’re having a crybaby Christmas.”

Riley raised her eyebrows. “A crybaby Christmas?”

“Yeah,” said Logan. “You’re complaining about everything!”

Riley threw a pillow at her brother’s head, but Mom came down the hallway just in time and caught it in midair. “Okay, you two. What’s going on?”

“Logan says I’m complaining about everything!” said Riley.

“Well, are you?” asked Mom.

Riley sighed. “Well, maybe. But everything’s a mess, and just because he’s not bothered by any of it doesn’t mean he can make fun of me!”

Mom sat down next to Riley. “I know Christmas is a lot different for us this year, but we can still be joyful. After all, Christmas is about Jesus coming to earth to save us! He cares about us and understands what we’re going through because He went through so much more when He was on earth.”

Riley looked around their small apartment. “But He never complained, did He?”

Mom shook her head. “The Bible says He went to the cross with joy because it was the only way we could have eternal life with Him.” She smiled at Riley. “Trust Him to help you be joyful too.”

–Ruth McQuilkin

How about you? Have you been rejoicing in the birth of Jesus this Christmas season? Or have you been too weighed down by problems to feel joyful? Problems can be hard to deal with, especially at Christmas, but remember that you don’t have to face them alone. Jesus came to earth to save you, and He promises to be with you through every problem you face. Because of Him, you can celebrate Christmas with joy!

Today's Key Verse: The angel said…I bring you good tidings of great joy. Luke 2:10 (NKJV)

Today's Key Thought: Be joyful

Look to Christ and follow God's Word so your heart can remain calm, even when troubles surround you.

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“What sweeter music can we bring / Than a carol for to sing / The birth of this our heavenly king.” The lines of this 17th century poem “What Sweeter Music” were reimagined by modern-day choral composer John Rutter to become an Advent season favorite. Its gentle melody describes a long, cold season of waiting that’s thawed by the springtime feeling of Jesus’ arrival. The singers bring Him a Christmas carol; the listeners are invited to bring their hearts.

Rutter’s arrangement was commissioned to correspond with a church reading on the wise men who brought Him gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These mysterious magi traveled a great distance to meet baby Jesus with the express purpose of worshiping him (Matthew 2:1-2). God gave them wisdom to keep Jesus’ location a secret from wicked King Herod. When they finally found Him, they “were overjoyed” (v. 10). They bowed down in reverence. Then “they opened their treasures” to lay precious resources at His feet (v. 11).

The Christmas season shouldn’t be focused on material goods—but it’s certainly about giving and receiving gifts. God gave His Son to heal a broken world. If we’ve never given Him our hearts, today’s a wonderful day to do so. If He already reigns there, let’s offer a carol of peace and joy as we think about His arrival all those years ago in Bethlehem—and wait for His return.

The Bible contains many accounts of God providing miraculously for His people, but none are more fascinating than the story of the Widow’s Oil found in 2 Kings. On the next Faith & Finance Live, Rob West and Sharon Epps unpack the story of the Widow’s Oil. Discover how we can apply this teaching about God’s provision to our lives. Then, it’s your calls. That’s on the next Faith & Finance Live, where biblical wisdom meets today’s finances—weekdays at 4pm Eastern/3pm Central on Moody Radio.

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It’s Witness Wednesday!

Today, join Todd at Gainesville State University as he engages students about their experiences and spiritual beliefs. In a number of unique conversations, see how the law and the gospel can be presented in a way to make individuals see their sin and their need for a savior in Christ.

Segment 1

• Efren lost his sight at age 8—he “sees” now through memory, sound, and mental mapping.

• Openly admits being unsure about his Catholic faith and what Jesus’ sacrifice really means.

• Efren is confronted with the reality of sin and the justice of God.

Segment 2

• Drew, dressed in a monk-style outfit for fun, admits he claimed Christianity mostly for “fire insurance.”

• Fully confesses he doesn’t live like a Christian and is scared of death and judgment.

• Realizes he’s treated salvation as an escape plan, not a relationship with a holy God.

Segment 3

• Walked through the Ten Commandments and confessed to being a liar, thief, and lustful.

• Learns that true Christianity isn’t about earning God’s love—it’s about receiving undeserved grace.

• Begins to grasp the gospel: Jesus saves sinners not because they’re good, but because He’s good.

Segment 4

• Anna wants to evangelize but wrestles with how to explain the gospel clearly.

• Learns how to shift from “ask Jesus into your heart” to biblically using God’s law to reveal sin and lead to repentance.

• Encouraged to root her Christian walk in grace, not guilt—her performance doesn’t keep her saved, Jesus does.

___

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Listen to today's Laugh Again with Phil Callaway, "The Christmas File." Enjoy!

The story of Bethlehem is the promise of the prophet Micah. He predicted the birthplace of the Messiah. But he did more. Micah also predicts a time of global peace and righteousness. Listen as Dr. John rehearses the words of Micah. We will find that the One who is born is Bethlehem is the instrument and Ruler of peace. For those who long for peace, there is hope. 

Christmas: Hype or Hope?: In our culture, Christmas has become a celebration disjointed from its original intent. The party of Christmas overshadows the meaning of Christmas. In our society, it has the "too much makeup" appearance and is exploited for commercial profit. There is a lot of hype. Where is the hope? In this 5-message series, Dr. John Neufeld distills the meaning from the mayhem. Listen to recover the reason and joy of Christmas. 

Most people would say death is the end but Christians have a hope that goes beyond the grave. In this message, Chuck Swindoll offers a glimpse into the future for those who trust in God.

From the Series: The Greatest Words

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