Jesus Christ says, “I am the light of the world. If anyone follows me they will not walk in darkness but they will have the light of life.” What kind of life is he talking about? It’s Eternal Life. Eternal life is the life of God in the soul of man. As this Christmas rolls around, I want you to experience Jesus Christ for yourself.

Friends, there is one who has power to forgive sin and make the light shine. He can change your heart. Jesus Christ wants to give you eternal life. He is the one who assures us by saying, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies.”

But, dear friends, you have to make a decision. It isn’t enough to say “gee that sounds good.” You have to know him for yourself. Life can change instantly, if you open your heart to Christ.

If you trust His promises, and rest in Him, you will be forgiven. You’ll have the peace of God. You’ll become a child of God. You’ll receive the Holy Spirit. You’ll receive eternal life. When you give your heart to Jesus the light of the world fills your soul. Will you give your heart to Jesus Christ today?

Victor Hugo, the famous European philosopher and writer, once said this: “The true division of humanity is between those who live in the light and those who live in darkness. Our aim must be to diminish the number of the latter and increase the number of the former.”

That’s a great goal, but then unfortunately Hugo continues with, “that is why we demand education and knowledge.” Education and knowledge we’re all for, of course, but they don’t get you out of darkness into light – at least, not morally and spiritually.

This Christmas, I’m reminded that true light can’t be found in education or science or philosophy. True light is found only in Jesus Christ. Jesus says in John chapter 8, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

This Christmas, don’t lean on your knowledge, or career, or education to enjoy the light of life. Those things are good, but they cannot bring lasting peace. Lasting peace and true life can be found only in Jesus Christ. Surrender to Him today and enjoy living in the light of Jesus Chris

William Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army, is one of my heroes! He had a famous quote he’d say to Christians who said they weren’t ’called’ to share the Good News.

“’Not called?’” He’d ask. “’No, Not heard the call,’ I think you should say. Put your ear down to the Bible and hear Him bid you go and pull sinners out of the fire of sin!”

Wow – those are pretty strong words, aren’t they? But that’s why I like men like William Booth. They confidently spoke what they knew of God and Jesus Christ, and exhorted others to do the same. No excuses. No apologies. There was no reason not to pour their hearts and souls into evangelism!

Jesus prayed for His followers in John 17:18. “As you sent me into the world,” He said, “I have sent them into the world.” Jesus has sent you into your world, too. Whether that’s to a foreign land, your cubicle at work, or in your neighborhood book club.

Wherever God has placed you, He’s done it for the purpose of influencing those around you with the Good News. So let’s take William Booth’s challenge to heart. Let’s you and I listen to God’s call, and ’pull sinners out of the fire of sin.

My friend Mark Mittelberg has taught evangelism training all over the world. Mark says he’s noticed a consistent thread that’s present in all cultures: “Friends listen to friends,” he says. That’s why establishing relationships is so important when it comes to sharing our faith.

A great example of this is in the Gospel of Luke. We’re told about Matthew, a tax collector, who became a follower of Jesus. Matthew was in a perfect position to reach out to his buddies who were also tax collectors. So what did he do? He threw a party, man! He invited his friends, Jesus, and the disciples over for a meal and discussion. Great idea, don’t you think?

Colossians 4:5 tells us to “be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.” Matthew certainly did that — what about you? Try building relationships with your co-workers, students in your school, or another mom down the street. Then, host a “Matthew party” of your own! By establishing trusting relationships with this generation, they’ll be more willing to hear about Jesus Christ. Not only how he changed your life — but how He can change theirs, too!