Christmas message: Peter & Bev Mortlock, Senior Pastors, City Impact Church

Christmas is truly a time of celebration, of family, friends, fun and great food. It's a time of great joy as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, come to make a way for mankind to enter into an abundant and blessed life on earth with the promise of eternal life in heaven.

The real story of Christmas is that of an incredible miracle. A baby conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin, His arrival heralded by angels, welcomed by shepherds and wise men led by a star bearing vast gifts.

Jesus' birth was literally God coming into the world and saying: "I am with you; I desire a relationship with you and am prepared to pay a great price to do so, behold my only Son."

I wonder this Christmas, if amongst the hustle and bustle of the season, you would take a moment to ponder the reality of the miracle of Jesus. God's plan for the world is personal. God has made a way for you through His Son - that is ultimately what the miracle of Christmas is all about.

I began regularly attending church when I was 23 years old, and being married with two small children found a huge amount of purpose, hope and faith for our future. Why don't you make church a priority for you and your family?

We'd love to invite you to come and celebrate Christmas with us. We hold two special one-hour services at 11pm Christmas Eve and 9am Christmas Day. Please join with us in celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ with carols and all the fun and excitement of the season.

Have a Merry Christmas and prosperous and happy New Year!