For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

There’s nothing in this world more precious and miraculous as a brand new baby. Babies change everything, but the one born in Bethlehem was so much more! As His parents lovingly examined their precious new Son, they were certainly not thinking of the events that would play out thirty-three years later. We simply cannot forget the price that was paid and the reason we celebrate Christmas—the day that changed everything. 

This Baby, fresh from heaven, had tiny hands that would heal lepers and raise the dead. But one day, they would be pierced with iron nails. 

This Baby’s tiny, pumping heart would be the biggest and best heart of ALL: willing to suffer, willing to give everything, willing to stop pulsing just for you! 

This Baby’s soft breath, that brought joy to His parents that day, would one day breathe out truth and hope that would teach and encourage us for generations. 

This Baby’s bright, searching eyes, would remain fixed on His Father. He would set out to seek and save the lost, to reach the unreachable. And He would see only what His Father would show Him. 

This Baby’s soft cries from the manger to His mother warmed the night air. They would one day be desperate, agonizing cries from the cross to His Father, that would pierce the air and shatter His mother’s heart.

This Baby’s tender brow, this King of the World’s sweet head, would never wear the crown of gold He deserved. Instead, He would change eternity, and each of our lives, by choosing the crown of thorns instead. 

Only THIS Baby changed everything for everyone for all eternity. From the cradle to the cross, from His resurrection to forever, Jesus is your hope. He is why we celebrate this season we all love so much. As you sit around your Christmas tree next week, with bright lights and precious love and laughter, don’t forget the other tree: the one that Jesus would carry through the streets—the one that would ultimately give you LIFE! You are loved!