December 24

Read: John 3:14-17 God so loved the world, that he gave (John 3:16).

Pentecost And The Christmas Spirit

Christmas sums up in one word all the good news of the gospel. “Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11). “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). “Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate” (Hebrews 13:12).

And Christmas reminds us of how we heard the story, for the spirit of Christmas is the spirit of giving. When Andrew found Jesus, he went to give the good news to Peter. Peter found Jesus and went to help Cornelius. Cornelius and other Christians of the first century gave the glad tidings to men of the second, who in turn shared the story with yet others. Across the centuries the healing streams of salvation have flowed on through the lives of Spirit-filled men and women -­ men and women filled with the spirit of sharing.

You and I are saved today because someone else found the Lord and then came to share his gladness with us. We enjoy the blessings of full salvation because others heard that message, were filled with the Holy Spirit, and wanted to share this joy. We are sanctified wholly in order to win others to Christ and to lead them into this blessed experience. God’s plan of gospel sending is the plan of gospel sharing. Thus the good tidings of Christmas are to reach all people.

‘Twas a humble birthplace; but, oh! How much God gave to us that day! From the manger bed, what a path has led! What a perfect, holy way!

— W. H. Neidlinger