Christmas has changed my life. Not because Christ was born. But because he loved me enough to chose to be.

Today we celebrate the birth of Christ. To fully do so, we need to remember his birthday is unlike any other birthday we celebrate.

Christ's birth represents more than an arrival into the world. It reflects a choice. A choice to leave behind a paradise beyond our wildest imaginations. A choice to relinquish a body free of all pain and suffering and to take one on just like yours and mine.

Today, more than any other day, I am awed as I reflect on the truth that Christ willingly jumped up from his throne in heaven to walk the troubled streets of this world. He chose to give up everything to demonstrate how much he loves us. To think he simply could have mailed us an invitation to live with him forever, but chose to hand deliver it, is to recognize the greatest love story we'll ever have a chance to be a part of.

I listened to a Christmas Eve message last night that challenged us to not miss the gift of God's glory. The brilliant light that every day radiates through the incredible Christmas choice we're celebrating today. The pastor also challenged us to not miss the gift of being able to share that glory.

Well, I'll simply share this. Christmas has changed my life. Not because Christ was born. But because he loved me enough to chose to be. I encourage you all, don't miss the gift.

​Merry Christmas to all of my friends. I count each one of you among the gift that is the glory of God.