If you stop and think about it, it is astounding that the simple, unassuming birth of a peasant boy born over two thousand years ago in the small town of Bethlehem has caused such commotion—that it still affects us today. You may have never realized that every time you check your calendar, refer to a date, or write one down, you are using Jesus Christ as your reference point. Because of Jesus, history is divided into BC (Before Christ) and AD (Anno Domini, in the year of the Lord). Every other event in history and every event on your calendar today is dated by how many days and years it has been since Jesus appeared on earth.

Even your birthday and my birthday are dated by His birthday.

The night Jesus was born in Bethlehem, a small group of poor shepherds was quietly tending their flocks of sheep in a nearby field. Looking up at the stars, nothing seemed any different from a thousand other nights. But what was about to happen would transform not only the shepherds’ lives but billions of other lives as well. The world would never be the same. Suddenly a bright light lit up the sky, and an angel from God appeared above them and began speaking to them. It seemed unbelievable and scared them.

Regardless of your background, religion, problems, or circumstance, Christmas really is the best news you could get. Beneath all the visible sights and sounds of Christmas are some simple yet profound truths that can transform your life for the better in the new year.

Right now, there’s nothing more important for you to understand in the new year. God’s Christmas gift to you has three implications for the new year. First, it is the most expensive gift you’ll ever receive. It’s priceless. Jesus paid for your sins with His life. Second, it’s the only gift you will ever receive that will last forever. Finally, it is an extremely practical gift—one you can use every day for all next year (2024) and for the rest of your life. Interested? You should be!

In the Love of Christ, Pastor Wayne Hall