Christmas is a season filled with stories. From classic tales like “A Christmas Carol” to family memories passed down through generations, stories draw us together and warm our hearts. There’s something about a well-told story that captures our imaginations, lifts our spirits and leaves a lasting impact.

Think for a moment about your favorite story from childhood. As a kid, Kelly’s mom read her a book that has become one of our family’s favorite fictional stories to kick off the month of December: Barbara Robinson’s 1972 classic, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.” It’s a hilarious yet deeply moving story of the Herdmans — six misfit kids who, having never heard the biblical Christmas story before, turn their town’s Sunday school Christmas pageant upside down.

The Herdmans’ unconventional approach to the pageant’s performance reminds everyone of what Christmas is really all about. (This beloved story is being brought to the big screen by Dallas Jenkins, in theaters now through January 2025.) For our family, this story never grew old as we read it annually through laughter and tears.

The Birth of Jesus: A Story for All Nations

But no matter how beautiful or special our favorite stories may be, there’s one story that surpasses them all — the story of Jesus’ birth. This is the greatest story ever told, the story of God’s love for us, entering our world through a tiny baby, born in Bethlehem. The birth of Jesus is a story that has changed lives and shaped history for over 2,000 years.

Luke’s Gospel tells it like this:

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord’” (Luke 2:8-11, NIV).

Understanding the Savior’s Story in Your Language

This is Good News not for a select few but for all people. Imagine hearing about the Savior, about God’s love, but not fully understanding it because it’s in a language that doesn’t resonate with the deepest part of who you are. Much like the Herdmans, how can the greatest story ever told be your story if it’s in words that feel foreign to you?

This Christmas, we are reminded of the wonder of Emmanuel, God with us. More people around the world are experiencing the wonder of Christmas for the very first time, encountering the greatest gift God has ever given us. Yet many are still waiting to encounter the Good News.

In John 1:14, we read: “So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son” (NLT).

Jesus, the Word, didn’t stay distant. He entered into our world, became one of us and spoke our language. He came to break down walls, and to invite every person and language community into the story of God’s love. God’s plan has always been for His story to be shared with all nations.

The Vision of Revelation 7:9

In Revelation 7:9a, we catch a glimpse of heaven: “After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb” (NLT).

This vision shows every language and culture, standing united before the throne of God.

Living Out the Greatest Story Ever Told

As we celebrate Christmas, let’s remember the joy and hope of the greatest story ever told and think about those who are still waiting to hear it — thank you for your part in sharing this great story with people around the world. Thank you for saying “yes” to helping make Bible translation possible.

Together we have the tremendous privilege and joy of living life in light of eternity, knowing that what happens here on earth will echo in heaven — for God’s glory and the good of His people all around the world!

May we not just be witnesses to what God is doing but proclaimers of the awesome God we serve, as together we make the Good News of Jesus Christ known to all the earth, so that everyone, everywhere, gets to experience it for themselves.

Pray for the Nations

Join us in praying for people around the world to understand the greatest story ever told in their own language. Explore Wycliffe’s Global Prayer List to make an eternal impact.

Global Prayer List