"It usually means they've finally found the answer to a medical problem," explained Dad, "or at least they're going the right direction toward solving it."

"There are other kinds of breakthroughs, too," declared Mother with a smile."You might say I had a culinary breakthrough the other day. I finally figured out what was wrong with the candy recipe I've been trying."

"All right!" exclaimed Brian. á "Pass the candy!"He grinned at his mother."They should put that news on TV, too," he teased.

"I'm thinking of another breakthrough -- one that changed the world forever," said Dad thoughtfully. "It happened very quietly one night. The news wasn't reported on TV or radio -- or even in newspapers."

"Then how did you find out about it?" asked Brian, leaning forward eagerly."What happened?"

Dad's eyes sparkled, and a grin played around his mouth."Well, Brian, the big breakthrough took place about 2000 years ago," he replied. "God came to earth!"

"Oh, Dad," murmured Brian, "we all know about that. á I thought you meant something new." áá He sat back in his chair. á Then he grinned. á "It wasn't on TV, but it was announced by angels," he said. á "That's even more spectacular!"

"True," said Dad. "Just think!God had tried to reach the hearts of men for thousands of years. á He spoke through nature, through man's conscience, and through His prophets.But the biggest breakthrough to the hardness of men's hearts came about when Jesus took the form of a baby.He came to earth to help people understand how they could have a right relationship with God."

"Right," agreed Mother. "Jesus is the only way to God. He breaks down barriers so we may be saved. á When someone asks Jesus to forgive his sins and come into his heart, that's a real breakthrough, too."