The Christmas story is the story of the Gospel--that Christ came born in a manger to die on the cross. When Christ came as a baby there was a lot of political and spiritual oppression. The people claimed to be free but were in bondage to the Roman government. Today also, many people claim to have freedom, but live in bondage to sin. Jesus says that everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. The reason Christ came as a baby on Christmas was to set us free from sin. When people are confronted with sin, they will either deny it, or will try to fight it in their own strength. The message of the Gospel tells us that we are unable to save ourselves from sin, and that Christ is the only way to be free. Jesus was born to Mary and Joseph during a frustrating and inconvenient situation. Having to travel for the census and then having no room at any inn, it was a stressful time. But the whole story was in the hands of God just as our lives are in the hands of God for His purposes and plans. God reveals Himself and the redemption story to those who are poor and needy. The angels came to the shepherds because they were the ones who realized their need for a Savior. The good news that they told was that salvation has come for all people. Peace and reconciliation with God are offered through repentance and faith. How will you respond to the grace of God? Christ, who was born in Bethlehem, must be born in your heart. Will you go and see the Christ like the shepherds did that Christ might be made known to you? Will you make this good news known to others? Will you treasure up these truths in your heart? Will you glorify and praise God for all you’ve heard and seen?