How does one explain the greatness of the Man whose birthday we celebrate each Christmas?
- He was born in a stable, the child of a peasant woman.
- He grew up in an obscure village.
- He worked in the building trade until he was 30, and then became an itinerant preacher for three years.
- He never went to college.
- He never wrote a book.
- He never held an office.
- He never led an army.
- He never owned a home.
- He never had a family.
- He never possessed great wealth, and…
- He never traveled farther than 200 miles from the place where He was born.
He never accomplished any of the things that usually accompany greatness.
He had no credentials but Himself.
Although He spoke with great authority; taught with unusual wisdom; and was widely accepted by the people—the religious leaders of His day opposed Him.
While He was still a young man, the tide of popular opinion turned against Him. He was betrayed by a friend; abandoned by His associates; and turned over to His enemies.
He was falsely accused; endured the mockery of a trial; and was unjustly condemned to die.
He was crucified between two thieves, and while He was dying, His executioners gambled for the only piece of property He had on earth – His clothing.
When He was dead, He was buried in a borrowed grave through the pity of a friend.
Twenty wide centuries have come and gone, and today He is the central figure of the human race, and the cornerstone of world progress.
- And all the armies that ever marched;
- And all the navies that ever sailed;
- And all the parliaments that ever sat;
- And all the monarchs who ever reigned…put together…
…have not affected the life of humanity upon this earth as has that
ONE, SOLITARY LIFE.
Adapted from the writings of George Clark Peck
