IF JESUS NEVER CAME

At Christmas we celebrate the birth of Christ — but have we ever paused to ask, what if Jesus never came? Imagine a world without the hope, compassion and light His coming brought. No churches, no Christian hospitals or schools, no carols, no manger scenes, no spirit of generosity that shapes so much of our world today. More deeply, imagine a world still groping in the dark, unsure of who God is, uncertain about forgiveness, and with no hope beyond the grave.

Without Jesus, We Would Know Little About God

Throughout history, God left many signs of Himself — in nature, in the Scriptures, and in Israel’s story. Yet people still longed for certainty. Isaiah foretold a day when God would reveal Himself through a child called Immanuel — “God with us,” the One who would be Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6–7).

Before Christ, humanity had only glimpses of God; like a scrambled picture on a screen. Without Jesus, that picture would remain blurred.

Without Jesus, Our Sins Would Not Be Forgiven

The Old Testament system could cover sin but could not remove it. Many lived carrying heavy guilt, trying to stay busy to hide their burdens. Isaiah promised a Saviour who would come to save and heal — but without Christ’s arrival, we would still be waiting.

Without Jesus, There Would Be No Assurance of Eternal Life

A world without Christ is a world without hope. People would ask, “What is life about?” and find the answer in Ecclesiastes: “Meaningless!” (Ecclesiastes 1:2). Without the resurrection and the promise of eternity, our labour and our suffering would feel empty.

BUT JESUS HAS COME.

He Revealed God to Us

“No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son…has made Him known” (John 1:18). Jesus is God with us. As He said, “He who has seen Me has seen the Father” (John 14:9). His birth is God stepping into our world so we may know Him personally.

He Took Away Our Sin

John the Baptist declared, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). Through Christ, guilt is removed, burdens are lifted, and forgiveness becomes a sure promise.

He Opened the Door to Eternity

Because Jesus lives, everything we do has eternal worth. “Your labour in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58). Even the ordinary becomes sacred when done for Him.

A Reason to Celebrate

The world celebrates Christmas in many ways, but Christians celebrate with deeper joy because we know why we celebrate and who the celebration is for. The birth of Jesus is so miraculous, so significant, that thousands of years later the world still pauses to remember.

He has come.

And because He has come, we can know God, receive forgiveness, and live with eternal hope.