I know Jesus came, but how does that help me right now?

It’s nice to be reminded of the Christmas story—shepherds, a star, wise men, Mary and Joseph, a baby in a manger. But how can a person who lived 2,000 years ago really make a difference in our circumstances today? If he were just another religious person, it probably wouldn’t matter. The difference is that Jesus claimed to be God encased in a human body—a unique union of divinity and humanity (John 10:30). Anyone can claim to be God, but the proof Jesus offered was in the form of a prediction: “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise” (Mark 9:31). But they did not understand what he meant and were afraid to ask him about it (Mark 9:3–32). Jesus predicted his own violent death, but also his supernatural resurrection from the dead.

His followers had no idea what he was really saying, and after his arrest and death they hid in fear, thinking it was the end of their hopes and dreams. But three days later, when they saw him with their own eyes, their lives were radically changed. Seeing someone come back from the dead has that kind of effect on a person!

So then, how is it that a person who lived 2,000 years ago can make a difference in your life today? It’s simple: Jesus defeated death and is today a living Savior who loves you. You can’t see him or touch him, but make no mistake, he is alive and real, and he cares about you personally. He knows your circumstances, and offers you hope for a better future. Right now, ask the one who conquered death to help you experience that hope today.