The Meaning of Christmas

For many of us, Christmas is one of our favorite times of the year. It is nice to get a break from our normal routines and to spend time with our family and friends. Many families have special Christmas customs and traditions, involving decorations, meals, songs, and the exchanging of gifts with loved ones. All of these things are very nice, but is this the true meaning of Christmas?

It seems that every year the stores put up their Christmas displays earlier and earlier, and that each year there is increasing pressure to buy more and more expensive gifts. There also seems to be a competition to see who can put up the largest and most elaborate display of decorations. With all of these things, it is very easy to lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas.

But as we strip away the layers of glitter, commercialism, and tradition that surround the celebration of Christmas, the holiday's true meaning becomes easier to see. Here we can see a star that reminds us of the star that the wise men followed two thousand years ago while seeking the newborn King. Who is this King? As the angels said to the shepherds, "Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:11). Christmas is the day that we celebrate the birth of the Christ--Jesus the Son of God.

What was the reason that Jesus left his home in heaven to come to this world? Was it simply to do good works, or to leave an example for us to follow? No, "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners" (1 Timothy 1:15). He came to deal once and for all with the problem of sin that separates every one of us from God. "But I'm not a sinner!" you might say. Have you ever lied? Have you ever had an impure thought? God's Word is very true when it says, "All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23).

Yes, we are all sinners, and the day is coming when “Every one of us shall give account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12). On that day, will you measure up? We can know for sure, because God has already declared what is required: “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him” (John 3:36).

Why is it so important that we believe (put our trust) in Jesus? Because God has made it clear that forgiveness of sins is not based on what we do for Him—it’s based entirely on what He has done for us.

The gift of eternal life was purchased when Jesus, the sinless sacrifice, died on the cross for our sins (Romans 6:23). Now He is risen from the dead and offers forgiveness and new life to everyone who approaches Him with a repentant heart and trusts Him as their Savior. Here is where the true meaning of Christmas becomes clear to see. Christmas is all about God’s great love for us and the priceless gift that He offers to all. If you have never made Jesus your Savior, just follow this A-B-C: admit your need of a Savior, believe that Jesus died for you, and call out to Him. He will save you!

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).

Scripture verses quoted from the King James Version (KJV).

Source: Moments With The Book, www.mwtb.org