A story is told of a pastor who was preparing his Christmas message when he fell asleep in his study at the church. He dreamed that he was in a world into which Jesus had never come.

He walked out on the streets, but no church steeples pointed to heaven. He was summoned to visit a dying woman, but on arriving found that his Bible had no New Testament promises of heaven. So he bowed his head and wept in bitter despair, for he could offer her no real hope beyond the grave.

Suddenly the pastor was awakened by the choir down the hall practicing the familiar Christmas carols. Joy filled his soul as he realized as never before why we sing, “Joy to the world, the Lord has come!”

Jesus changes everything. Because He came, the Bible’s promises of heaven and eternal life are yours forever. You don’t walk in darkness and uncertainty. You have a Savior who lived a perfect life, and defeated death forever on the cross!

Prayer Challenge:
Thank God that Jesus came–and offers you eternal life!

Questions for Thought:
How do the New Testament promises of eternal life give you hope and comfort in tough times?

Who can you share these promises with this Christmas?