The Book of Acts has two seemingly opposite features. On one hand, it's Luke's continuation of what he already wrote about Jesus' life and ministry. On the other hand, it marks monumental shifts in the life of Jesus' followers and the dramatic expansion of Jesus' influence. As we begin our study of Acts, we'll look at the earliest days of Christianity after Jesus' ascension. 

John 3:16 may well be the most well-known verse in the Bible.  It comes at the end of a conversation between Jesus and a man named Nicodemus and makes God’s purpose in sending Jesus clear.  The verses that follow it help us see why Jesus had to come.  In many ways, they’re the best answer anyone could give about why we even have Christmas at all.