At this time of the year, people around the world pause to celebrate Christmas.

For some, it’s about food, parties, and lights. For others, it’s the carols, the messages, the presents or simply the chance to take time off.

But behind all the traditions lies a deeper question: why do we celebrate Christmas at all?

The answer is found in the story at the heart of Christmas. It’s not just about a baby  born in unusual circumstances. It’s about God choosing to step into our messy, complicated world as Jesus.

Christmas is the story of God drawing close — showing us love, care, and hope all made possible by his forgiving nature.

The manger is the start of the story. The bigger story is that God came not to condemn or remind us of our flaws, but to offer forgiveness and a new loving life.

As 1 John 4:1 puts it: “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son, to do something we could never do, to pay the full price for our sins.”

In everyday terms, Christmas is about God coming down to earth to take the initiative to really love us – and this love is not dependant how we look, what we have done or whether we deserve it.

This love is for all people, those who are considered the best in society and those who are considered the worst, and everyone in between.

So even if life is not so good for you, God doesn’t overlook you, His love is also for you.

So, as you celebrate Christmas – whether with family, food, presents or music – remember that Christmas is also about God’s never give up love for you and everyone else. And because came down to earth for you, by trusting in Him and His actions you are guaranteed a loving future…

Bishop Richard Schwedes

Bishop Lutheran Church of Australia NSW and ACT

Bishop of Lutheran Church of New Zealand