As Christmas Day approaches, we’re taking the time to dwell on the true meaning of Christmas: the birth of our Savior. In honor of this, here are 10 quotes from Billy Graham on the birth of Jesus Christ.

“No other day on the calendar catches the imagination of young and old alike as does Christmas. It’s a high and holy day—a day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternity. Such a vision of truth should be spread near and far.”

“But why did Jesus leave heaven’s glory and come down to live amid earth’s filth and corruption? He came for one reason: to save us from our sins.”

“Over 2,000 years ago, on a night the world has come to call Christmas, a young Jewish maiden went through the experience countless mothers had before her, and would since: She brought forth a child. But this was no ordinary child. This was the unique Son of God, sent from Heaven to save us from our sins (Matthew 2:11).”

“Christmas should be a day when our minds go back to Bethlehem, beyond the noise of our materialistic world, to hear the soft flutter of angels’ wings.”

“God did not send His heavenly angelic hordes to accomplish His majestic purpose, but He sent a tiny, tender, helpless babe in the person of His son.”

“Don’t leave Jesus in the manger; don’t remember Him only at Christmas. Instead, learn to walk with Him every day, as you pray and read His Word and ask Him to help you.”

“My prayer today is that the message of this Christmas time will be a personal message to you that Jesus will be Prince of Peace in your life and will bring peace and satisfaction and joy to you.”

“Christmas cards, the smell of pine drifting through the house, the fireplace crackling—all of these things turn our thoughts to those we love. But often it is a sad time for those who are alone, without close friends or family. We all should look for others to reach out to especially at this time of year and extend a hand of fellowship, a heart of love. This is what Jesus did for all mankind. He reached down from Heaven by giving Himself to us—a people in great need of a relationship with their God and Maker.”

“Christmas is the most thrilling season of the year because its message is that Jesus brings joy and love through His sacrificial gift of forgiveness and redemption.”

“Christmas is about receiving and giving. Give the gift of the true Christmas story—that God gave His Son so that mankind would receive Him. Let’s focus not on our own joys but making others joyful. The greatest gift we can give others is to tell them about the most wonderful Gift God has bestowed on the whole world.”

Get your copy of Billy Graham in Quotes here.