The Birth of Christ in Our Hearts: The Most Precious Gift of the Savior
By: Rula Rishmawi – Student Affairs Coordinator
Millions worldwide celebrate the anniversary of the birth of Jesus Christ, with diverse expressions of joy across cultures. People exchange gifts, gather with family, and decorate their homes and streets. Churches host celebrations that emphasize the significance of this momentous event: the birth of the Savior and His incarnation in our world.
As the scripture says: “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh” (1 Timothy 3:16).
What is the value of these celebrations if the true spirit of the feast is absent from our hearts? The birth of Christ in the world is a remarkable event, but even more miraculous is His birth within us. The infinite God, who chose to incarnate to reveal Himself, longs to dwell in the hearts of humanity.
According to our human nature, we are born with inherited sin: “Indeed, I was born guilty, a sinner when my mother conceived me” (Psalm 51:5). But when we accept the work of Christ in our lives, we experience a new birth that transfers us from death to life, from darkness to light: “He has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son” (Colossians 1:13).
During the Christmas season, we often give gifts to our loved ones, but how many of us remember to give a gift to the one whose birthday we celebrate? Our greatest gift is our hearts, which is His highest request: “My child, give me your heart” (Proverbs 23:26). He does not ask for our money or possessions, but for our complete love: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might” (Deuteronomy 6:5).
This holiday is not merely a historical remembrance but a personal invitation to spiritual rebirth. He came to save us from our sins, lift their judgment, and grant us eternal life. This is the true purpose of His arrival, and perhaps the best response is to offer ourselves to Him completely, as the Magi did when they worshiped Him and presented their most precious gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. (Matthew 2:11).
The birth of Christ in Bethlehem was a miracle, not only because He was born of a virgin, but because this child was God Himself in the flesh. He came to bear the penalty of our sins on the cross, to achieve reconciliation between man and God, and to give us a chance for eternal life.
Dear reader, have you given your heart to Christ? If not, consider doing so now. May this season be a chance for your spiritual rebirth: “Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above” (John 3:3).
When we give Christ our hearts, we fulfill the true purpose of Christmas and offer the greatest gift for the greatest occasion. May the birth of Christ in our hearts be the source of true joy and eternal hope.
