Christmas is one of the most beautiful times of the year. The lights shine brightly, the music of the season fills the air, families gather together, and love even seems to flow a little easier. But in all the celebrations, we must never forget the reason why we celebrate – Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
If you take Christ out of Christmas, all you have left is an empty holiday. But when Jesus is at the center, Christmas becomes a time of worship, reflection and gratitude.
Over two thousand years ago, in a humble stable in Bethlehem, the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.
John 1:14 (NASB)
14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Jesus didn’t come as a mighty king or a wealthy ruler, but as a helpless baby, showing us that God’s power is revealed through humility and love.
John 3:16 (NASB)
16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.
Jesus came to reveal God’s love. He came to bring peace, hope and salvation. But Christmas isn’t just about Jesus’ birth; it’s about God’s plan to redeem the world through Him. Christmas is not just another holiday – it is the celebration of heaven touching earth.
The world seems to get caught up in the glitter of the season with decorations, gifts, shopping and songs.
But if we lose sight of Jesus, we lose the true meaning of Christmas. The angel didn’t come to announce a holiday; he came to announce a Savior. Jesus’ birth was not about decorated trees but the birth of the One who would bring salvation and freedom to all mankind.
Jesus came to save us from our sins:
Matthew 1:21 (NASB)
21 “And she will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for it is He who will save His people from their sins.”
This is the heart of Christmas. Salvation is where it all begins. This baby came with a mission, to go to the cross and be raised again. Christmas is all about redemption.
Jesus also came to bring peace:
Luke 2:14 (NKJV)
14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
In this world filled with conflict, His peace remains the greatest gift we could ever receive.
Now let’s look at the rescue mission of Jesus for us:
From the very beginning, God’s desire has been to be in relationship with His people. He created the world and everything in it with love, and He created human beings in His image and likeness so that we could walk with Him and have fellowship with Him. But when sin entered the world through Adam and Eve’s disobedience, that fellowship was broken. Sin brought death, separation and darkness into the world that God created to be good.
But God did not leave us without hope. Jesus became a human being, but yet He never sinned.
Hebrews 4:15 (NKJV)
15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.
He healed the sick, forgave sinners and taught about the Kingdom of God. Yet, His greatest mission was not to teach or heal; it was to save.
Jesus came to seek and save the lost:
Luke 19:10 (NASB)
10 “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
He came to give His life as a ransom:
Mark 10:45 (NASB)
45 “For even the Son of Man did not come to, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
And He came to bring us back to God:
1 Peter 3:18 (NASB)
18 For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, in order that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit;
On the cross, Jesus bore the punishment for sin – not His, but ours. He came that we could be forgiven, made new and restored to God.
2 Corinthians 5:21 (NASB)
21 He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
Jesus came because of love – God’s deep, unstoppable love for you and me.
So as we gather with loved ones this Christmas and exchange gifts, let’s remember that the greatest gift of all was given on that first Christmas night – the gift of Jesus Christ.
This Christmas let us open our hearts and say, “Thank you Lord Jesus, for You are the true reason for this season. Father, thank you for sending Jesus; Your gift of love, light and peace. May His presence fill our hearts this Christmas, and every day.