What does the birth of Jesus Christ mean to a modern world?

A holiday at the end of the year, perhaps a time to be with family. For many, the birth of Jesus Christ means no more—it is not relevant to our modern world. But there is so much more than the birth. And it is exciting because it provides a GIFT from God to YOU.

The Bible predicted the birth of Jesus Christ:

“Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14

“But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.” Micah 5:2

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

And these prophecies were given more than 400 years before Jesus Christ was actually born. But there is more, for not only was His birth predicted but so also was His death:

“… thou hast brought me into the dust of death …” Psalm 22:15

“... he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter …for he was cut off out of the land of the living …” Isaiah 53:7,8

“And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself …” Daniel 9:26

The wise men of the east knew when to go to Israel to pay homage unto the newborn king because of these and other prophecies.

But why did the Son of God come? We live the appointed number of years in this life and then after death we go to the next. And you go to one of two places—Heaven or Hell. Salvation is going

to Heaven, eternal life. And do we not all seek to go to Heaven? But there is a barrier to our going to Heaven: sin. God will not allow sin in Heaven. And we are all sinners: Romans 3:23. So we have to be cleansed of our sin before we can enter Heaven.

But what does this have to do with the death of Christ on the Cross? His birth was necessary, but through His death Christ shed His blood to cleanse us from our sin: “In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins” Colossians 1:14

This is God’s gift to YOU. It is not something that you can pay for, indeed God is not interested in your good works or intentions: Romans 3:12. But, God loves you and wants you in Heaven. This is offered freely to you now, not through Christ’s birth but through His shed blood by His death on the Cross, which completely cleanses all of your sin. How do we obtain the benefit of so great a gift?

Acknowledge your sin before God: “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” Romans 3:23

Repent of your sin: God “commandeth all men everywhere to repent” Acts 17:30 Repentance is a commitment from the heart to turn away from sin unto God, producing a change in your life.

Accept salvation is not gained by your efforts: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast” Ephesians 2:8-9

Believe that Jesus Christ was God in the flesh: “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us …” John 1:14

Believe that Jesus Christ died on the Cross to pay for your sin, that He rose from the dead and accept Him as the Lord of your life: “That 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.” Romans 10:9

Whilst Christ had to be born, His birth does not save, only His death does. God has done everything necessary to allow you into Heaven, so whether you go to Heaven or Hell is not up to God, it is up to you. God loves you and wants you in Heaven, but it is your choice: accept Jesus Christ and go to Heaven ... or ignore this message and be condemned to Hell. What do you choose?