A: I suspect almost everyone reading this can identify with you — because for many of us Christmas has become a burden instead of a blessing. We get so busy, and we become so overwhelmed with everything we need to do, that we lose sight of its true meaning.
But of course it shouldn’t be this way, because at Christmas we celebrate the greatest event in human history — the coming of Jesus Christ into the world. The birth of that baby in Bethlehem’s stable over 2,000 years ago wasn’t just the birth of another great man. Instead, what happened that night is almost beyond our understanding — because God Himself came down from heaven and became a man. As the Bible says, “‘The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ — which means, ‘God with us’” (Matthew 1:23).
Why did Christ come? He came for one reason: To provide the way for us to be forgiven of our sins and go to heaven when we die. He did this because God loves us, and wants us to experience the joy of His presence every day.
As you look toward Christmas, begin by committing these days — and your whole life — to Jesus Christ. Take time each day to read His Word and reflect on His love. Then ask God to help you plan your holiday time carefully (even cutting out things that don’t matter), instead of leaving everything to the last minute.
Q: Does God ever get so tired of us that He just decides to leave us alone? We do this with other people sometimes, so I guess I wouldn’t be surprised if God did it to us. I wouldn’t blame Him if He did. — Mrs. C.F.
A: This isn’t as easy a question to answer as you might think, and the reason is because the Bible indicates that God both gives up on us — and He doesn’t! Let me explain.
On one hand, at times God seemingly gives up on us and leaves us alone, allowing us to go our own way and not stopping us, even when we’re headed toward disaster. This happens, the Bible says, when our sin and stubbornness become so great that we refuse to listen to Him, no matter how often He warns us. Then, the Bible says, we end up paying the price for our sins — and God lets it happen. The Bible says, “God gave them up” (Romans 1:26, NKJV).
But on the other hand, God is always ready to forgive us and save us, no matter how far we’ve drifted away from Him. We may turn our backs on someone who’s offended us and refuse to have anything more to do with them — but God never does. No matter how far we’ve fallen, God still loves us and yearns for us to be with Him in heaven forever.
Don’t risk your soul; don’t turn your back on God. Instead, thank Him for sending His only Son, Jesus Christ, into the world to save you, and invite Him into your life today. The Bible says, “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him” (John 3:17).
Send your queries to “My Answer,” c/o Billy Graham, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201; call 1-(877) 2-GRAHAM, or visit www.billygraham.org.
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