Why was Jesus' birth so important?
Q: My friend claims that the birth of Jesus was the most important event in human history. Why would he say this? Others have certainly influenced the human race, like great inventors and scientists. Why was Jesus' birth so important? -- S.K.
A: Today is Christmas, and millions around the world will be celebrating the birthday of Jesus over 2,000 years ago. And many of them certainly would agree with your friend: The birth of Jesus was the most important event in human history.
Why is this? One way to answer this is by asking another question: What is the greatest need of the human race? No doubt you could come up with a long list; in spite of all our inventions and scientific advances, the world is still torn by suffering and conflict and injustice. Tragically, the words Job spoke thousands of years ago are still true: "Yet man is born to trouble as surely as sparks fly upward" (Job 5:7).
But what is our greatest need? The Bible's answer is clear: Our greatest need is to be reconciled to God. Only then can our hearts be changed, and only then can we begin to live the way God meant us to live. And that's why the birth of Jesus is so important, because He came into the world to provide the way for us to be reconciled to God. He did this by dying on the cross for our sins and overcoming death's power through His resurrection from the dead.
Today you'll probably receive many gifts -- but the greatest gift you'll ever receive is the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Why not welcome Him into your life today? The Bible says, "To those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God" (John 1:12).
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(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 the Web site for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association: www.billygraham.org.)
(c)2017 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
