The Greater Impact of Christmas

Why do we, or at least most of us, celebrate Christmas? Is it about family, Santa Claus, presents, trees, reindeer, and snowmen? Not really, it's about the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. Regardless of your religious affiliation, most historians would agree that the most influential figure in the history of the world was Jesus Christ. I believe He was the Messiah foretold by the prophets of Israel. You may disagree, but the impact of Christ, and Christianity has been profound and for the benefit of all humanity. Peter Hammond argues:

Similarly, slavery was eradicated as a result of the tireless efforts of Christians such as William Wilberforce, David Livingstone and General Charles Gordon. Respect for life and liberty are a fruit of Christianity. Those promoting abortion, euthanasia and pornography are not offering us progress, but only a return to pre-Christian paganism.

Most in our society do not seem to realise how much we owe to the advent of Jesus Christ. Hospitals as we know them were an innovation of Christianity (hence the universal healing symbol of a cross to represent hospitals). The nursing profession was founded by Florence Nightingale out of devotion to Christ. One of history's greatest humanitarian movements, the International Red Cross, was founded by Christians in response to the Scriptural injunction to care for the sick and suffering. Christians, such as Dr. Louis Pasteur, have fuelled some of the greatest practical advances in medicine. More hospitals have been founded by Christians than by all other religions combined. The Christian Church has been the supreme (and often the only) force restraining man's inhumanity towards man.

The whole concept of charity was a Christian innovation. The Church of Christ has done more than any other institution in history to alleviate poverty and suffering. Before Christ, benevolence to strangers was unknown. Where the Bible became known, compassionate and unselfish sacrifice flourished. Dr. James Kennedy's book “What if Jesus Had Never Been Born?” documents a wide range of the unparalleled contributions of the Christian Church.

The Christian Church has made more positive changes on earth than any other force or movement in history. Most of the languages of the world were first codified and put into writing by Christian missionaries. More schools and universities have been started by Christians than by any other group. The elevation of women (from the second class status they were assigned to by other religions) was a Christian achievement; as was the abolition of slavery, cannibalism, child sacrifice and widow burning. Those countries which enjoy the most civil liberties are generally those lands where the Gospel of Christ has penetrated the most.

Something to think about amidst the distraction of malls, shopping, and annoying songs on the radio.