My wife and I have a Christmas tradition. We watch some of the classic Christmas movies every year. Three that almost always make the list are Home Alone, Elf, and A Christmas Story.

Every year I teach the Christmas story from the Bible. I enjoy coming back to it. Here are 3 reasons why I don’t tire of hearing it.

1.    I can relate.

But when the right time came, God sent his Son… (Galatians 4:4, NLT).

When you dig into the details of the Christmas story, you see that the world into which Jesus came was far from perfect. There were problems. Peace was a dream, but not a reality. There were evil people. Bad things happened. People were hurting. The world was weary. As the phrase from the song O Holy Night says, “A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices.” I can relate. So can you. The holidays are often some of the most difficult times for people. Hearing the message of “God with us” can be a breath of fresh air this time of year.

2.    It gives me hope.

“I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem…” (Luke 2:10-11, NLT). 

“Good news that will bring great joy to all people.” That gets my attention! We all love good news. Jesus, as Savior gives me a personal relationship with God and the promise of eternal life, something I could not do on my own. That gives me hope. Jesus as Messiah (the Anointed One or King) will change our weary world for the better. That too gives me hope.

3.    It reminds me of how much God loves me. 

“They will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us’” (Matthew 1:23, NLT).

Can you imagine? God coming into our world to become one of us? What would motivate God to do that? Only one thing. Love. Let the Christmas story remind you of how much you are loved by Jesus!

Whatever it takes,

Jerry