It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Aprons are on, and ovens are baking batches upon batches of cookies. Flurries of snow are nipping at your nose. And carolers at your front step are repeating the sounding joy. Among all the traditions and festivities though, we can sometimes glance past the crux of it all.

Christmas.

Also known as Jesus’ birth.

This God, who dwelled in the perfect heavens, made a home in the womb of Mary. Jesus certainly did not have to leave; He lacked nothing in heaven. But when He looked down on His people, God knew something needed to change. We were spinning our wheels, stuck in sin and unable to break free.

So for the sake of His people, God came. He knew we needed Him, and He was able to save us.

That’s why the shepherds, wise men and many more gathered and celebrated on the first Christmas. Salvation was here. It was finally at hand. We were free. And ultimately, we had hope.

That first Christmas though can seem so long ago. When you look around today, it can seem that Jesus left this earth, resumed His post back in heaven and we’re left here still burning rubber. But how is it then that thousands of years later, we’re still celebrating His birth, how Jesus dwelled among us and the freedom that came from His death and resurrection?

Jesus still dwells among us. He said so Himself. Before He left, Jesus said He was sending His Spirit for us.

“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name ,will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” John 14:26

So this Christmas, celebrate in that truth. Tell of the very first Christmas to your kids and their kids. Because the story of God with us is still true, and it all started just over 2000 years ago.