"A long time ago in Bethlehem, so the Holy Bible says, Mary’s boy child, Jesus Christ, was born on Christmas Day. Hark now hear the angels singing, a new king born today. And man shall live forever more because of Christmas Day." Really? Because of Christmas Day?

I find it ironic that we place so much importance on Christmas as the day of Jesus’ birth and think so little of Resurrection Morn. As the Christmas carol states, it is because of Christmas Day that man will live forever. It wasn’t the birth of Christ that saved mankind; it was His death.

When Christ was born, a miracle happened – God came in the form of man to make a way for us to be reconciled to Him. Jesus walked this earth healing and preaching the way to salvation; yet they couldn’t understand. When Jesus was crucified, His followers thought everything was over. While Jesus could have called 10,000 angels to take Him off the cross of Calvary, His love for us held Him there. He took our sins upon Him and suffered more pain than anyone can possibly imagine. While His birth is precious, reflecting the obedience of Mary and Joseph and the power of God, it should be Resurrection Morn that should be celebrated as the holiest of days. His death and resurrection are the reasons man can (not shall) live forevermore. To live forevermore, mankind must first recognize Jesus as the Son of God; as a personal savior; and to repent of our sins and live for Him.

This Easter weekend, let us remember that it was not the birth of Christ that saves us – it was His death and resurrection.

"He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. Bur He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed." – Isaiah 53:3-5