did you know...

*that "NOEL" translated is "night birth"?
*that Jesus was not born on the 25th of december? probably more like september.
*that there is a probability that the "stable" was actually a cave?
*that the "wise men" probably arrived after Jesus was about one year old?
*that their might have been more or even less magi. we do not know how many their were?
*that there is no mention in the Bible that mary rode on a donkey? she might have even walked? she might have even given birth days later? and was probably as young as 13 years old?
*that there is no mention of this precious
"little drummer boy"?
*that Jesus was most likely not a white, curly headed, blond? i might have to take a "sharpie" to some of my nativity scenes.
that Jesus loves us WAY more than SANTA? no WAY!
*that His gift of eternal life is free and you don't have to stand in line for hours at Wal-Mart for it?

....For it is by GRACE you have been saved , through faith, and this is not from yourselves. it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast. eph. 2:4-9

all it takes to receive this gift of eternal life that is only possible through Jesus (john 3:16) is to acknowledge that you are a sinner, in need of a savior. acknowledge that Jesus died for you (state your name) and THEN Ask the Lord Jesus to come in to your heart and transform it.
disclaimer: you might not feel any different at first. no POOF effect. but, just wait.....you will be different.
After you have received JUSTIFICATION from the Lord. he died for you, you accepted him, and now your sins are "justified" (just as if you've never sinned)
then He will begin the SANCTIFICATION process with you where you grow and learn spiritually. this is for YOUR benefit and to glorify HIM. you will start to exhibit to others the new creation you have become. others will notice your changes. Sanctification comes from the things you learn from reading bible of course, church, fellowship with other believers and prayer. also, very importantly, sharing the message of Christ to others. OH and benefiting from immeasurable, unexplainable JOY! even in bad times.
I am not a pastor or author but this is what i know to be true.
Merry Christmas.