Mr. Speaker, 700 years before His birth, the prophet Isaiah declared that a virgin would conceive and bring forth a son and that His name would be Immanuel, God with us. Five hundred years before it happened, Micah declared that He would be born in Bethlehem, while Zechariah wrote that He would arrive in Jerusalem as a king, riding on a donkey, the price of his betrayal and the wounds on his hands.
Indeed, all of history is divided by His time on earth: B.C., A.D., B.C.E., and C.E., if one will. For millennia, He has inspired the greatest works of art, music, self-sacrifice, and service to humanity.
The Bible is His story. It remains the most-published and influential literature of all time.
While 2,000 years have passed, His life, His mission, and His resurrection continue to impact lives around the world. He is the reason for the season.
I wish all members of the House, indeed all Canadians, as many as can receive it, His peace that passes understanding. Merry Christmas.