We the people of Shiloah Baptist Church want to express the warmest Christmas greetings to those of you who have come to visit this site. We are praying for you to have a blessed and Merry Christmas by remembering why Christmas is celebrated.

It is because of a very special gift that was given to the world (John 3:16) to deliver us from the bondage of sin and separation from God.

Shortly after the birth of Jesus some shepherds were watching over their sheep, and this is what Luke writes about that blessed and holy event…

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”  And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, “Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.” And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
Luke 2:8-18

The Baby born in a manger was the perfect Son of God. He is Jesus the Christ, the Son of the Living God.  That day those who saw that Baby Boy saw God in that Baby Boy. The apostle John says, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us…”

Why would God step out of heaven and the glory of it to become man, and suffer in all the ways that human beings do? The answer is again in John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world…” He loved us so much that He gave His only begotten Son.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16.

Apart from God’s intervention the human race is a condemned race. Bound in sin, darkness, hatred, strife, and eternal death.

Jesus’s purpose in coming was to die for us. As the perfect Lamb of God – He was completely obedient to the Father, without spot or blemish, without sin. He lived among us to die for us.

He was crucified on a rough wood cross, and died there for us. The pain, the tearing of the whip from the Roman soldiers, the beatings, the mockery was only a minor thing with Him; but He became sin for us, and bore the wrath of His Holy heavenly Father for us. On His cross the penalty for sin was paid in full.

Jesus was buried, and three days later He arose victorious of death. Now, because He lives, He gives to all who will turn from their sin to Him, calling on His name, eternal life.

That is why we celebrate Christmas. Will you call on Him today?