In December 1903, after many attempts, the Wright brothers were successful in getting their “flying machine” off the ground. Thrilled, they telegraphed this message to their sister Katherine: “We have actually flown 120 feet. Will be home for Christmas.”
Katherine hurried to the editor of the local newspaper and showed him the message. He glanced at it and said, “How nice. The boys will be home for Christmas.” He totally missed the big news—man had flown!
As the events of the Christmas season wind down, I can’t help but wonder how many people today once again have missed the real story. The message of Christmas is not gifts and gadgets, bows and lights or trees and tinsel. The message of Christmas is that God so loved the world that He gave His only Son—for one purpose.
“An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” Gospel of Luke 2:9-11
The good news is that a Savior came into the world to rescue its inhabitants from the penalty of sin. The sad news is that so many have never heard the good news, while many others simply scoff at the message. Like the editor reading the telegraph about the accomplishment of the Wright brothers and not comprehending what was being said, many people today fail to understand the greatness of that first Christmas message.
The amazing truth is that of all the prophecies foretold concerning the first coming of Jesus Christ, there are seven times more divine predictions about His second coming. And once again, millions have never heard the message or those that have, simply ridicule the whole idea.
There is no greater opportunity to focus on the real message of Christmas than now—before it gets packed away with the decorations and memories of another December 25th. Christmas is the coming of a Savior for those needing saving (all of us) and a new home being prepared by the One that came to save us.
Don’t miss the big news of Christmas—Jesus Christ has come once and He is coming again!

