EDITOR’S NOTE: The following was originally published on Dec. 25, 2003.

Don’t let the real meaning of Christmas get lost under the piles of discarded paper, boxes and bows this morning. Remember that the arrival of a baby — not a jolly old elf — is the reason for the season.

Jesus is the ultimate gift to the world. His birth to a virgin in Bethlehem more than 2,000 years ago verified His Father’s love for us.

God could have sent Jesus to us in any form. He chose a baby instead of a king, however, because he wanted everyone to be able to relate to Him. 

Everyone is blessed to be able to share the glorious kingdom Jesus has to offer. All it takes is a willingness to believe the good news that was first delivered to a group of shepherds outside Bethlehem two millenniums ago.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. (Luke 2:9-14).

We should all be thankful that no one is too rich or too poor for God’s son. He is worshiped by the greatest and the least among us, and He loves us all equally.