Greatest story ever told continues this Christmas

Two thousand years ago an event occurred so important to the future of mankind that this date is still celebrated and revered by more than 3 billion people from around the world.

A baby was born in a stable behind an inn near the little town of Bethlehem in what is now Israel. It is from these beginnings that emerged what many people consider is the greatest story ever told.

This event fulfilled the prophesies of ancient scriptures which predicted that God would send his only begotten son to take the sins of mankind upon himself, be crucified, suffer at the hands of his people, die on the cross and be resurrected.

This story is documented in the Bible and has been recited over and over by billions of people, including some of the most gifted scholars and theologians the world has ever known, for nearly 2,000 years. It is a story about love, forgiveness, miracles, and faith. There must be something to it for this story to be repeated so many times by so many people with such conviction for so long.

The story is even more remarkable in light of the message – that through Jesus Christ we may receive a never-ending shower of blessings, including forgiveness for our sins and eternal redemption.

Amid all the clamor surrounding the holidays it is easy to get sidetracked and lose sight of what Christmas is really all about. It is easy to get caught up in the superficial – Santa Claus, Jingle Bells, mistletoe, fruit cake, toys snowmen, wish lists and bright lights. The danger in getting caught up all in all of the hype is failing to contemplate and fully appreciate the miraculous story and profound meaning of Christmas; in other words, why we are celebrating. When we do we deprive ourselves of good medicine for sick souls.

So please join us in taking some time this Christmas to spend some quiet time thinking about and giving thanks for the blessings that were so freely given to us all by the Creator of the Universe, whatever your image of that spirit may be.

All of us at the Wallowa County Chieftain would like to wish all of you the very best this Christmas. R.S.