By TVC Chairman, Rev. Louis P. Sheldon

December 24, 2009 – Tomorrow, the Christian world will celebrate the birth of Baby Jesus in Bethlehem more than 2,000 years ago.

The birth of Jesus was the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies that God would send His son into the world to save people from their sins and to bring light where there was darkness.

The birth of Jesus impacted the entire world and still does. In fact, within a few hundred years of Jesus’ crucifixion by Rome, his followers had spread the good news throughout the Middle East. Within 300 years, Christian missionaries were traveling throughout the known world preaching the Gospel message.

Christianity became the dominant religion in the Middle East during the first 300 years and spread into Europe and Asia.

In Europe, Western Civilization emerged and flourished -- and it was based on Christian morality. America is also based on Judeo-Christian principles, which includes a respect for human life, free speech, religious liberty, aid to the poor, defending justice, healing the sick, and ministering to those in prison.

Christians have been in the forefront of major social movements to bring hope to the hopeless and healing to those who are wounded. Christians ended slavery in England and the United States and have fought for civil rights for persecuted minorities ever since then.

From the very beginning of the Church, Christians have set up hospitals and other charitable institutions to relieve the suffering of their fellow men and women.

The Salvation Army, for example, is a vivid example of the Christian message being displayed during the Christmas season.

The Christian (little Christ) is committed to living out the message of Jesus Christ in his daily life. That message can be found in the Bible. Read it! His message of good news will give you peace and courage for whatever we face in the years ahead.