“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end . . . The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this." - Isaiah 9:6-7

What comes to your mind when you think of Christmas? People associate Christmas with many things: the Nativity scene, Christmas trees, Hallmark cards, Santa Claus, music, and gifts.

How about associating Christmas with an invasion?

In his book, The Faith, author Chuck Colson has a chapter entitled "The Invasion." In it he describes the invasion of Normandy on D-Day, June 6, 1944 — the largest seaborne landing in human history. More than 150,000 US troops were committed on the day of invasion, employing some 7,000 vessels, 4,000 landing craft, and 12,000 airplanes. Within two weeks, the Americans and the British together deployed an additional half-million men, 100,000 vehicles, and 200,000 tons of supplies.

When most military historians look back at the successful landing on Normandy beaches, they realize that it was not the end of the Second World War, but it was the beginning of the end. Though Hitler still occupied most of Europe, and there were still fierce battles to be fought, his days were numbered.

With the landing at Normandy, it meant the tide had turned; it meant Germany had suffered a fatal blow; it meant victory was in sight.

It’s the same with Jesus’ landing on our planet Earth: one soft landing for a baby, one breakthrough for mankind. God invaded our human history. It was a quiet invasion on the night Jesus was born. It marks the beginning of the end of Satan’s power. Jesus has come; the Kingdom of God is here; the final victory is in sight. We have hope.

Yes, we still have battles to fight, but we know Christ has won the war.

As we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus, may it bring you joy and hope throughout the Christmas season and the new year!

The Christmas season gives us great ministry opportunities. Let’s pray that through our ministry the Chinese scholars and students may grasp the true meaning of Christmas.