"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:11).

Every Christmas, I begin to think about the way Jesus came to Earth as a baby, and it amazes me that He went through all the steps of life like you and me. I think what amazes me even more is that He grew up as a child side by side with His half brothers and sisters. Luke 2:52 says, "And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man."

Jesus grew up going into the synagogue and almost assuredly had teachers. Can you imagine if you had lived during that time, and twenty years down the road, long after you had Jesus in your class, you realized He was the Messiah, the King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords? Would you think back to how you treated Him and helped him grow?

My wife and I have both been teachers, and it always amazes us when we see our former students later in life and get a glimpse of the men and women they have become. Those moments have driven me to give my all for the students I have today because I know I have an impact on the type of people my students will become in the future.

How about you? Do you know who or what that child who is your biggest headache or biggest achiever will turn out to be? Maybe he will be a preacher who leads a revival that brings this country back to God or the next president. Maybe your actions will inspire that child to change his life to truly follow God. Our students are already growing in stature. May you also give them your all and help them grow in wisdom and, most importantly, in favor with God and man.

Father, thank You for coming to Earth as a child to save me from my sins. Help me remember the true gift of Christmas and share that glorious Good News with everyone around me. Give me strength to tell the story of Your love that began in Bethlehem. In Jesus' name, Amen.