By Brad Hutchcraft

My mom and dad always read the Christmas story to us right before we'd open presents, but they wanted to do it in ways that made the story come to life. So, a few years ago, we gathered together in a barn and sat on hay bales, surrounded by the noises and smells of sheep and cows and goats.

Sounds a lot like that first Christmas, doesn't it? Baby Jesus arriving in a manger so many years ago. No Christmas tree, no mood lighting. Just a baby in a feeding trough, surrounded by some cattle, His parents, and some shepherds.

This Baby is none other than the Son of God, the Prince of Heaven! Born in a manger, dying on a cross to pay for every wrong thing you and I have ever done. Why? He said, "I have come that you may have life!" And the angels said, "To YOU is born a Savior." It's that personal!

Now that's real hope in a world that can often feel pretty lonely and cold. If you'd like to experience this life-changing love of Jesus for yourself, please get in touch with us at 888-NEED-HIM, or ChatAboutJesus.com. So you won't just have Christmas. You'll have CHRIST!

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