Hey PPN Family,

Christmas is one of the best times of the year all around the world. It is a season full of joy, hope, and love. I can’t prove this scientifically, but people seem to be happier, and more willing to help others during this period, and drivers even seem to be friendlier on the roads.

One of the greatest stories that highlights the power of Christmas, was the Christmas truce on the Western Front of the First World War in 1914. During these unofficial ceasefires, soldiers from both sides of the war gathered in “no man’s land” on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, to mingle, and exchange food and souvenirs. Some of them also engaged in a game of kicking the soccer ball around.

I believe that one of the main reasons why this significant event was even possible, was because the core message of Christmas is one that unites all of humanity. When Mary was pregnant with Jesus, an Angel of the Lord came to her husband Joseph and gave him this promise in Matthew 1:21 (NLT),

“And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for He will save his people from their sins.”

Christmas reminds us that we are all God’s children, and that He loves all of us. That is why He sent Jesus to save all of us from sin and death. The foundational spirit of Christmas is about giving gifts to others, and this is born out of the heart of God, who gave us the ultimate gift. In the words of Jesus from this well-loved verse in John 3:16 (NIV):

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”