Jesus is our vaccine against the virus of human nature, says Sheffield pastor

The Christmas story is interesting when it is fully understood. See past the ‘most wonderful time of the year’ glitz and glamour. See past the music, tinsel and lights. See the reality of the Advent story.

Look closer at the Nativity scene. Mary and Joseph, the shepherds, the wise men, all famous, but like many of today’s famous people, what do you actually know about them?

All of them were among the most unlikely people to be involved in such an event, yet are the prominent characters.

In the context of the day, the great religious leaders should have been the ones receiving and delivering messages of any magnitude from God.

In truth, that never was, has been, nor is the case.

The pious, religious leaders would have nothing to do with people like those shepherds. They were shunned and looked down upon.

Of the shepherds, we read that when they saw the baby two things happened. They told people what they had heard and seen and ‘all who heard it were amazed’.

Just one day earlier, no-one would have listened to them.

They wouldn’t even have wanted to be on the same street as them.

They returned, ‘glorifying and praising God’. Hardened, coarse men out casted by religion as unclean and unworthy.

What a difference a day makes? Or, what a difference an encounter with Jesus makes.

Not stories, fables, sermons or songs, an encounter in real terms with the Saviour.

There are many worries in the world today.

Jesus is the vaccine. The Love of God is for all people. He reaches out to the ordinary people from all walks of life.

The truth is simple. The babe who came to shine the light is the Saviour of mankind.

A real encounter with Him? That is the vaccine against the virus of human nature and the problems of this world.

The virus that affects humanity, keeps us from God is real.

The effects of a real encounter with Jesus are equally as real.

It does have side effects, life-changing effects and all for the good.

The Advent angel repeatedly said: “Do not be afraid, the Saviour is born, his love is real, and it is for you.”

To Mary, the angel said: “No word from God will ever fail.”

Will you receive Him? Make room for Him? Let Him in?

He will change your life! HE is Immanuel, God with us.