This weekend we attended a Christmas service at Crossroads Church in Cincinnati and it was clear to all who attended that Christmas is much more than a celebration of the “sweet cuddly baby” in a manger, but a celebration of salvation provided by God’s most generous gift. And then on Christmas Eve, we heard a similar message from our pastor, proclaiming the ultimate message of God’s love for all people.

I came across this brief message on Christmas Eve written by J.C. Ryle, a pastor in 19th-century England. In this time when too many focus on the sentimentality of the season, it’s worth reading. Give it some consideration this wonderful Christmas Day.

Reader, this Christmas may possibly be your last. Who can tell but you may never live to see another December come round? Who can tell but your place may be empty, when the family party next Christmas is gathered together?

Do not, I entreat you, put off my question or turn away from it. It can do you no harm to look at it and consider it. What do you think of Christ? Begin, I beseech you, this day to have right thoughts of Christ, if you never had them before. Let the time past suffice you to have lived without real and heartfelt religion. Let this present Christmas be a starting point in your soul’s history. Awake to see the value of your soul, and the immense importance of being saved. Break off sharp from sin and the world. Get down your Bible and begin to read it. Call upon the Lord Jesus Christ in prayer, and beseech Him to save your soul. Rest not, rest not till you have trustful, loving, experimental, hopeful thoughts of Christ.

Reader, mark my words! If you will only take the advice I have now given you, you will never repent it. Your life in future will be happier. Your heart will be lighter. Your Christmas gatherings will be more truly joyful. Nothing makes Christmas meetings so happy as to feel that we are all travelling on towards an eternal gathering in heaven. Reader, I say for the last time, if you would have a happy Christmas, have right thoughts about Christ.

This Christmas May Be Your Last by J.C. Ryle