Jesus Christ Is the Heart of Christmas—the Reason for Everything We Do Together!

It is hard to believe that the SGA-supported Immanuel’s Child outreach turns 23 this year. But it’s true. I had the wonderful privilege of being involved in the creation of this wonderful ministry that God has used to reach thousands of children—and even adults—with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I know also that the Lord has used Immanuel’s Child to touch the hearts of faithful partners like you through the years. The photos and testimonies from the outreaches that we have been able to report back on have deeply touched many on this side of the ocean. It is always a joy and blessing for us at SGA to hear this. And we are thankful!

Christmas is so very important for our world. With all the commercialization and other well-known tales out there that surround the season, it’s so easy for people to forget what it is really all about. It is not about trees, mistletoe, holly, eggnog, and even the gifts we give to one another. Christmas is about the greatest gift of all—the Lord Jesus Christ. It begins the eternal story and true account of who Jesus is, what He did, and why He did it. Yes, he came to earth in the form of a babe, born of a virgin in Bethlehem as God’s Word foretold. The angels sang and amazed the shepherds as told in Luke 2. It was truly a glorious moment in human history as the God of the Universe intervened with the redemption of His people in view.

And that is exactly what happened—and the true Christmas story doesn’t stop with the birth of Jesus. He grew and became a man. He preached God’s Kingdom and demonstrated through His works that He was the true Messiah. But as the prophets inspired by God recorded, His own people rejected Him. They didn’t understand that the Messiah came first to die on the cross for the sins of His people, and rise again from the dead for their justification . . . but He did.

We celebrate His glorious resurrection at Easter, or Resurrection Day. But the stage was set at His birth in Bethlehem. And the Christmas outreaches you help support make it possible for Bible-preaching churches to tell many this glorious truth. We celebrate and give one another gifts for the joy of giving, while also recognizing, again, the greatest gift of all.

Please continue to join me in praying for Immanuel’s Child this season. Pray with us for a record number of children to be reached with the Gospel!

For our Savior,

Michael Johnson
President