The focus we saw from Matthew was that Jesus’ birth showed that God kept his promises to send a Messiah, a Christ, to save the world. In Mark, we saw that Jesus’ birth marked the beginning of the kingdom of God coming. God’s kingdom grows as more and more people turn to him as Lord and Saviour, until the end comes, when Jesus will return in glory. In Luke, we saw how the good news of Jesus’ birth was a reason for listening to God, seeking and finding Jesus, praising God and sharing the good news with others, just like the shepherds did. Yet, John takes a different approach in his gospel, as he points us to Jesus as the light of the world, Jesus as the eternal Word, Jesus as the eternal Word. John describes Jesus, in his own words: “Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” ” (John 8:12, NLT) John also focuses on God’s great love for humanity, even sinful humanity: “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. ” (John 3:16, NLT) In a world where there is little hope, Jesus brings light. Where there is little to live for, Jesus gives purpose and an eternal future worth persevering for. Where hurt and anger sometimes seem to be found at every turn, Jesus brings God’s love into our lives. Where there seems to be only death and decay, Jesus brings resurrection life, not only as a promise for the future, but as a reality for all who find new life in him here and now. Have you known the light of the world come like a floodlight into your life? Have you known the love of God overwhelm you with a reassuring peace because you have trusted in Jesus for forgiveness for your sins? If not, do so now. “Dear Father in heaven, you know all about me and my situation. I am truly sorry for my sins, where even my best efforts do not reach your standard of holiness. I accept that I deserve your judgment, and that on my own there is nothing that I can do to improve myself enough or make up for my sins. Please forgive me. I know that I can be forgiven because Jesus Christ suffered and died on the cross in my place, for my sins. I know that you will forgive me because of your great love for me, in Christ. Please heal me from the brokenness of the past. From this moment on, please help me to trust in the risen Jesus, not only as Saviour, but also as Lord of my life. Thank you for the Holy Spirit in my heart to give me the strength and guidance I need to do your will, and to teach me from your Word, the Bible. From the bottom of my heart I thank you for your great love and forgiveness, my new relationship with you, my new life in Christ, and for the certainty of eternal life with you for ever. Amen.”