Paul Harvey used to begin his daily radio program with an interesting line. He said: “You know what the news is, in a moment; you will hear the rest of the story.” There are probably very few people in our country who have not heard about the biblical Christmas story. Every year, despite the move to take Christ out of Christmas, we see countless Christmas programs, hear carols, and view manger scenes everywhere. People know about the babe in the manger, the shepherds the angels, the wise men and the star, and Mary and Joseph. You would almost have to be from another planet not to have heard the Christmas story.
However, the baby in the manger is only a very small part of the story of Jesus Christ. The rest of the story is essential for us to know as well. Jesus lived a sinless life and experienced the sufferings and limitations of humanity. He died on the cross to pay in full the debt of man’s sin. He was buried and on the third day rose bodily from the grave. He ascended into heaven and commissioned His church to preach the gospel to the ends of the earth. He will come again to gather His believers and to rule and reign over the earth as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
What a glorious story is the story of Jesus Christ. However, there happens to be one chapter missing. This chapter must be written by each and every person in the world. All of us will write a chapter called, “What will I do with Jesus?” Some choose to ignore Christ, to live their lives for themselves and give little or no place for the Savior. The story of those without Christ will end with an eternity of separation from God. But there are others who have decided to accept Christ into their lives. Their story finishes in the joy of heaven and the glory of living with Christ for all eternity.
The babe in the manger is the Christ on the cross. Will you choose to make Him your Savior and Lord? Only you can write the rest of the story.