Who has the real X-Factor?

As another X-Factor series draws to a close we might envy the person on the screen.  The judges have decided they have a unique quality that puts them above others.  They have the mysterious “X-Factor”.  But do they really?  Aren’t they just young, pretty and mildly talented?  Who knows, by this time next year they might be struggling to get a record deal as Simon Cowell starts searching for the next huge star.

It seems to me that Jesus Christ was the only person in history who really had the X-Factor. As Christmas approaches, we are reminded that Jesus has billions of followers today despite having lived 2,000 years ago. Many have wondered what it is about Jesus that stirs the mind and heart. Napoleon Bonaparte put it well: ‘Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne and myself have founded great empires, but on what did those creations rest? Upon force. But Jesus founded his on love … Jesus Christ by some mysterious influence … draws the hearts of men towards him that thousands at a word would rush through fire and flood for him, not counting their lives dear to themselves … I know men, and Jesus Christ was more than a man.’

The Bible tells us that even before he was born, Jesus had the X-factor.  The Bible describes Jesus this way.  “And He shall be called, Wonderful Counsellor, Almighty God, the Prince of Peace, the Everlasting Father” and that his Kingdom would never end. Imagine how this would sound if done by the voiceover artist on the X-Factor.  He’d certainly get a yes from me!

There was also a great deal of celebration at his birth.  We are told that a “great company of the heavenly host” of angels appeared to the humble shepherds and announced Jesus’ birth.  Simon Cowell did hold a big birthday bash for his 50^th birthday recently – but even he with all his millions couldn’t quite manage a “heavenly host.”

We all want to be loved, to have happiness, peace and joy.  The X-Factor promises to bring happiness, joy and adulation to the winners but The X-Factor cannot keep its promises. The contestants – even the winners – are quickly forgotten in the on-rush of the New Year, leaving those who watched and those who took part a bit deflated and un-satisfied. In contrast, God’s promises – eternal and infinite value, unconditional love, peace, joy and hope – are given freely to those who seek them. Jesus said, ‘I have come to bring life and life in abundance.’ This is the real X-Factor and it is available to all.