Not many of us celebrate or even know the birthdays of William the Conqueror, Lord Nelson, or Sir Winston Churchill. But 2000 years after the birth of a baby in a manger in Bethlehem, millions the world over commemorate the start of a new millennium.
Jesus Christ is the greatest man in History. he was born in poverty and obscurity; as a youngster He was taken as a refugee to Egypt; He received no formal education, worked as a labourer, and never wrote a book or song. Jesus formally preached and ministered for only three years, and never spoke to flatter the authorities, refused to compromise His message, and was eventually executed by crucifixion at the age of 33.
In those three years of public work, without travelling far, He made blind people see, dumb people speak, and made the deaf hear. He healed lepers, and lame people. he raised the dead back to life. he fed thousands of hungry people with just a few loaves and fishes;; He instantly calmed the rough storm at sea and walked on the water dispelling the fear of terrified fishermen.
Nobody spoke as Jesus did. he had authority. He gave to the world the highest moral standard, preaching only what He practised.
Christ said, “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who ill-treat you”, and “...turn the other cheek.”
Christ gave dignity to women, respect to the disabled, significance to children, credibility to the family and status to each individual. Christ has made an indelible impact upon our literature, art, music, architecture, and our democratic freedoms.
Judas who sold Him, cried “ I have betrayed innocent blood” Pilate who ordered His crucifixion said, “I find no fault in Him.”
It was impossible to fault Christ. he had, nor did any sin, for He was “ God manifest in the flesh.” The Bible says of Jesus, that God “ became flesh and dwelt among us.”
Stripped naked, beaten and humiliated, Christ died on a cross. As he hung there, God laid on Jesus the evil of us all. The Bible says: “ For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes on Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
He was punished in our place, that we might be forgiven for all our sin.
Three days later, the tomb where Jesus was laid was empty - He had risen from the dead. he was alive. Over an extended period Jesus showed Himself to many people. he changed their lives, giving peace and hope.
Jesus Christ came to earth with a mission. He came not to call the righteous people, but sinners to Himself. he was more than a great example to us. he was more than the supreme teacher. he accomplished more than performing miracles. The Bible states: “ The father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world”
Jesus said: “ I am the way, the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through me.”
Millions have followed Jesus because they love Him. Civilisations and nations have been changed as people have come to know God. Most important of all is that He transforms individuals.
Christ can bring people into an everlasting relationship with God.
Instead of the hell we deserve, through forgiveness, He can reserve a place in heaven for us.
When we turn our back on sin and trust Christ, He forgives us, and makes everything new. He becomes our constant Companion and helps us in all the decision-making of our lives. Jesus Christ has been such a real Friend to individuals for twenty centuries all over the world. He can be this for you today.
Will you ask Him to be your Lord and Saviour? He will be with you both now, and into the new millennium and for ever.