Whatever else happens in this Christmas season (and probably too much happens), the heart of what Christians celebrate at Christmas is some utterly extraordinary, magnificent news. Good News that has the power to transform individuals, families, societies, the world.

God sent his Son…

• to come near to us: the one true and living God who made this universe sent his only Son into the world, as God with us
  to reveal to humanity what God is like: “the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known” (John 1:18)
• to offer eternal spiritual salvation: in love, God sent his Son so that we might be reconciled with God, and receive new spiritual life both in this life and forever
• to help us become more like him: loving God with all our heart, loving and forgiving others, showing love and mercy, being inwardly transformed, and knowing the peace and blessing of God
• so that we might proclaim, live, and help extend his Kingdom throughout the whole world

Whatever our circumstances this Christmas, may the love and peace of Jesus and the presence of the Holy Spirit fill our hearts.

Meri Kirihimete and arohanui
Happy Christmas!
The NZCN Team

Author: Dr Stuart Lange

Dr Stuart Lange is the National Director of the NZCN and is a Senior Research Fellow at Laidlaw College, where he was formerly Vice Principal. Stuart wrote and presented the historical DVD documentary Te Rongopai: 200 years of the Gospel in New Zealand, 1814-2014.