This year, we celebrated our elder son's birthday on the 24th of April. It was a great day for us as we thanked the Lord and prayed for him. He cut the cake in front of the guests, and everyone congratulated him as he received the gifts. He then said to me, "Papa, I want to ask you a question." I replied, "Yes, definitely ask." He asked, "I have been with you for 12 years. How do you feel? Explain your feelings." Upon hearing this, I was shocked and surprised. The room fell silent. It was indeed an interesting and worthy question. I began to reflect on the past 12 years from his birthuntil the present day, as each year brought different feelings for him.

I recalled the day he was about to be born, when both my wife and I prayed for him and made plans for his arrival. We had many things in mind that we wanted to do for him when he entered this world. We did a lot of shopping for him, and there were high hopes attached to his birth. On the 23rd of April 2011, a day before Easter Sunday, my wife was admitted to the hospital. Coincidentally, the hospital was just across from my church, where I was busy with church activities. I would alternate between visiting the hospital and returning to the church to attend to the preparations for the Easter Sunday celebrations.

In the morning, I had the privilege of delivering a beautiful sermon on the living Christ, surrounded by two joys. The next day, I gave a powerful message on the resurrection power of the Son of God and had a joyous Easter celebration. Afterwards, I went to the hospital, and after about an hour, God blessed us with a beautiful son, bringing tears of joy to my eyes. I can never forget the moment I held my son in my arms and expressed my gratitude to God. The day we celebrate the resurrection of God's son is also the day my son came into existence, making it an immensely precious day for me.

Now, I will provide an answer to his question in a few points:

His birth brought immense joy into our lives. My son, your birth is a source of indescribable joy for us, our entire family, and all who know you.Your birth changed our status. After your arrival, I became a father, and my wife became a mother, altering our societal roles.Your birth instilled hope in our lives. Hope is a powerful word, illuminating even the darkest corners. We have countless aspirations tied to you because you represent our hope for the future, inspiring us to live life to the fullest. Life is incomplete without a son. We love you so much that the mere thought of living without you is unimaginable. Similarly, the presence of the Son of God gives meaning to our existence, as He is the purpose of our lives in this world.

As I pondered these answers, a profound question arose in my mind: "If God were to ask me, 'I gave you my Son, so how is your life with my Son? How do you feel about Him?'" This question holds greater significance than my son's question. It emphasizes the weighty matter of our salvation, extending its reach to the entire world.

The birth of the Son of God fills us with immense joy. Truly, the birth of the Son of God is a cause for great celebration, not limited to any particular group but meant for the entire world. As the angels proclaimed, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:10-11).

The Son of God's birth offers us divine joy, bringing peace and joy to our lives. This joy is eternal, transcending earthly expressions. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).

Once you receive Christ, you will experience this eternal joy that cannot be adequately described in words. Through Him, you become a child of God, as Christ changes your status. Christ's birth represents hope for the world, providing salvation and eternal life. The purpose of our existence is to walk with the Son of God, for life lacks true meaning without Him.

In 1 John 5:12, it is written, "Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life." Our future is intertwined with the Son of God. I implore you, dear readers, to consider this question: Have you believed in the Son of God? How is your life with Him? If you desire peace, joy, and salvation for eternal life, believe in Him, for life without the Son of God is incomplete.

True joy resides in the Son of God.

Pastor Barkat is a graduate of Punjab University. After receiving a call to ministry in 1999 he attended Gujranwala Theological Seminary, graduating in 2003 with a Master of Divinity (His thesis covered a Biblical model of house churches.) Upon graduating he started pastoral ministry with the Anglican Church and was ordained in 2004, working within that church in different positions until mid 2015 when he got the opportunity for a short training program on Pneumatology from South Korea. Suneel currently is a visiting teacher in an evangelical Bible College empowered by Korean Mission in Pakistan, as well as doing independent teaching and preaching ministry. He has established many Bible study groups and I have passion to preach in remote areas of Pakistan.