Christmas cakes, mince pies, turkey, ham, fresh bread, cookies, cakes, cinnamon, fruits…

Holly, mistletoe, wreaths, blinking lights, Christmas tree, ornaments, gifts, cards, ribbons…

 Hmmm…  What's missing?

 Oh yes, the crib. The wise men, shepherds, sheep, donkey, cattle, horses, a barn, and oh yes, a big star hanging above.

 But it seems that something is still missing. Something very important.

 Maybe it's because the real Jesus hasn't been honoured yet. With all the glitter of today's "X-mas", the Son of God has been neglected, and our hearts know it. To have a truly wonderful Christmas this year, you do not need the ingredients of a bigger credit loan, or more presents under your tree. What you do need is found in Jesus, the One who was born to die - and specifically, to die in your place. Think about it - all our gift giving had to originate with something - and that something was Jesus!

What God offered this world is the gift of salvation. The way to get this gift is so simple…

1.      Realise “Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15). Jesus came because you, as a sinner, need Him! Not more religion, but something He called "salvation." Are you saved? Do you have peace with God? You need to realise that Jesus went to that cross 2,000 years ago because you are a sinner, and cannot help it.

2.      Recognise “the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). A gift again. But it is the gift of God, paid with Christ's blood, so that you, a guilty sinner could be forgiven, and have eternal life. Do you have eternal life right now? You can - but it only comes from Jesus!

3.      Receive God’s free gift of heaven this Christmas! It is wrapped-up in the perfect love of Jesus, who was born to die in your place. But you must ask for it - not from me, or a priest, but instead, turn away from your sin, and by faith turn to Jesus Christ, asking Him in prayer right now for His gift of forgiveness and eternal life! It is FREE! The Bible says, "Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Romans 10:13).

Christmas my friend, will never be the same again!