The Christmas story, also known as the Nativity, is a story of the conception and birth of Jesus Christ. Over many centuries, a desire to celebrate the birth of Christ (because we know about the life he then lived) developed into an annual celebration.
Broadly, most know that there was a star that guided wisemen, and that shepherds were likewise guided to find a baby, born in a stable to Mary and Joseph… and that there was great expectation for who this baby was to become, in that he was understood to actually be the son of God. Figuratively, this was seen as, “a light come to shine in the darkness”.
While questions about the celebration are debated by some (for instance, no one knows the date on which Jesus was actually born), the essential story has stood the test. (If that question is of interest, you can read more at: https://hopeproject.co.nz/why-christmas/)
HOWEVER we can all move forward together, knowing that the birth of Jesus sparked opportunity for us to grow in unity and love for one-another, and for us to have a close relationship with God. In the Christian faith it marked the start of God’s plan for human salvation through the birth, ministry and eventual death and rising of his only son.
In this sense, Christmas and Easter are unavoidably connected – we need one in order to have the other. While Easter is about who Christ was and what he did… Christmas is about Christ coming to do it.
Here at the Hope Project, it is our hope that you’ll explore the richness of both the ‘Christmas’ and ‘Easter’ stories. They provide gateways to understanding God’s mercy and love… which are both greatly needed in this world we now find ourselves in.
LIGHT SHINES BRIGHTEST IN THE DARKNESS
The heart of the Christmas story is articulated beautifully in the lyrics of the Christmas carol, ‘O Holy Night’.
“O holy night, the stars are brightly shining, It is the night of our dear Saviour’s birth...”
When the world seems to be in a time of darkness – there can be light.
When we feel we are personally in darkness – Jesus came to show us a path to the light, guiding us toward himself and his love, which we are to share.
Feel free to explore this site for stories that reflect this in diverse ways.
To explore the hope and love that Christians experience through their choice to engage in a relationship with God, watch this video:
Plus we highly recommend taking the 10 DAY CHALLENGE which can be found at the link provided.
