CITW Internals.indd 1
“Describe Christmas in three words.” That was the challenge put to various celebrities in a television advertising campaign a few years ago. Answers included: “Last-minute shopping”, “Eating too much” and “Filling a stocking”. What would you say? “Holly and ivy” perhaps? Or “family and friends”? But what about the words, “Christ is born”? Where do they fit in? It’s easy at Christmas time to be so preoccupied with shopping and partying that we forget what it is we’re supposed to be celebrating. The Bible describes the coming of Jesus as an event of massive significance for God’s dealings with the world he made, and for every individual in it. I have chosen my own three words to summarise the Bible’s teaching about the true meaning of Christmas: “historical”, “joyful” and “essential”. Those words point to truths that have transformed the lives of millions of people throughout the world… they could transform your life too. 1
13/7/11 15:13:16