Some years ago I received this as a gift. It reminds me, that when God came as a baby in the manger in Bethlehem it was pure grace, pure love. Grace means: God gives although we do not deserve it. Yes, God came into this world even though mankind had turned their backs on Him and continued to sin. But God came into this world, born in a manger.

The manger is the place where the cattle and donkeys are fed. We too need food to life. Jesus though reminded us that we cannot live on bread alone, but we need His life-giving word too.

On the cross Jesus paid the penalty for our sin, so that we are united with our Father.

This Christmas is the gift of the biggest change ever which the world needed. Can you imagine in what state of deprivation mankind would be if God has not acted in grace?

Christmas can be real for you. Accept the gift which God laid in the manger as in Him He did bore the cost of your and my sin when he was nailed to the Cross on Calvary.

God has given us grace and offers us salvation. — Do you know His grace? Just dare to look at the manger and the cross — that happened for you, although you do not deserve it. Don’t be too proud. Accept the gift of grace and you have eternal life, and through that a changed life already now, as the focus on the manger and the cross turns the focus away from yourself onto your Saviour who has opened the gates to heaven for you.

Angelus Silesius (17th Century) said:

“If Christ were born in Bethlehem a thousand times, and not in you, then you are lost eternally.”