What is the true meaning or purpose of Christmas? Why do so many around the world celebrate this day, December 25th? I guarantee you many do not know the real reason why we celebrate this day in the first place. But I want to tell you, the why.
Is it just another holiday that we celebrate and take off work? Is it to give gifts to each other, enjoy the decorations, spend quality time with family and friends, or bask in the joy of this season? Is the reason we do all of this just for the parties we attend, family gatherings, church services, Christmas concerts, or any other traditional celebrations that we participate in?
All of those things can be good, but they are not the true reason. The purpose of celebrating Christmas is none of those, actually. The true reason for Christmas is to celebrate Jesus Christ’s birth. That God the Father sent Him to the earth to be born as a baby. A celebration of good news to come. For the future saving of the world to all those who believe in His name and repent for their sins. To save their souls for all eternity. The day is not important but the person Jesus Christ.
And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased!” Luke 2:10-14
Jesus went on to live a perfect life. He never sinned. He was accused wrongly and made to suffer at the hands of the wicked. He died on the cross for the sins of the world by taking on Himself the wrath of God. He took the punishment you and I deserved.
Then to the amazement of all, three days later He was raised to life again. Defeating sin and death forever. Now He is seated at the right hand of God on the throne in Heaven. He offers to you right now, and to those who will believe in Him, the forgiveness of sins.
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him. Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.
And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.” John 3:16-21
To all who repent of their many lies, thefts, blasphemies, hatred, murders, lusts, adulteries, covetousness, slanders, and all other things that come in rebellion against the Laws of God, they will be forgiven. They will be given a new heart, mind, and life through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Many people get wrapped up in the details of Christmas that do not matter. Such as the day that is celebrated, the symbols that are used, or the many traditions that they take offense at. As well, there are many more reasons they refuse to celebrate Christmas.
But be as it may, God is pleased with all those who celebrate the Lord Jesus’ birth from a pure heart. Those who worship Him on this day with honor, reverence, and joy. Knowing that if it wasn’t for Jesus, they would be nothing and have nothing. They have come to realize that we are saved because of Him and only Him.
Who has believed what He has heard from us? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? For He grew up before Him like a young plant, and like a root out of the dry ground; He had no form or majesty that we should look at Him and no beauty that we should desire Him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces He was despised, and we esteemed Him not.
Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was pierced for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities; upon Him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with His wounds, we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—everyone—to his own way; and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:1-6
We Celebrate Christmas because of Jesus. Because of what He has done for us. We celebrate because He is the King of kings and Lord of lords. Because He came to save all those who believe in Him. Because He is the only one who is worthy of our praise.
I would challenge you today to look within yourself and examine your ways and life carefully. We are all sinners headed to a day of judgment. God will punish all those who sin in His jail called Hell. Every lie, deceitful thought, or wicked motivation of the heart is recorded in His book.
But there is good news. To all who repent and turn from sin to believe, follow, and obey Jesus, who cry out to Him, He will grant forgiveness. If you believe in Him, repent of your sins, and turn away from your life of wickedness, He will look upon you with compassion and love. He will forgive your many sins, showing His great mercy and grace upon you.
He wants nothing greater than to forgive you and to give you a new heart, soul, and mind, to follow and obey Him. It is all about your faith and trust in Him. Christmas is all about Jesus and the gift He brings to all who believe in Him. He did all these things for you and for me. Jesus loves you so much. What will you do with His offer of Salvation? What will you do with His gift that He offers to you? How will you celebrate Christmas?
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil.
For the yoke of his burden and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire.
For to us, a child is born, to us, a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and of peace, there will be no end, on the throne of David and over His kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. Isaiah 9:2-7
The Soul Sower 