On December 25th, we will gather with our families and celebrate Christmas. As the lyrics of one song puts it, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” However, with each passing year, we are moving farther away from the real meaning and true celebration of Christmas. This certainly has to do with the commercialization and marketing of this wonderful holiday. Also, it is probably a reflection of our society becoming more secular, with less interest in, and little understanding of the sacredness of the meaning of Christmas. It may also stem from the reality that we become so busy with our personal preparations we lose sight of the real reason for our celebration. Whatever the reason may be, I want to point out three things that are central to the true meaning of what Christmas is all about.
1. The Person. Christmas is first, foremost, and forever about the person of Jesus. It is about a loving God reaching down to fallen man with the birth of His Son, Jesus. The Eternal God became our Emmanuel (Isaiah 7:14), “God with us,” so we would never be left alone. He is with us in all of our problems, struggles, troubles, trials, sickness, sorrows, and adversities. Without the person of Jesus, we have nothing to celebrate.
2. The Purpose. The birth announcement by the angel to Joseph found in Matthew 1:21 states, “…Thou shalt call his name Jesus, for he shall save his people from their sins.” Luke 2:11 records, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” What the world needed then and what the world needs now is a Savior. Jesus is that Savior! His death on the cross to pay our sin debt and to open for us the door to Heaven was His purpose.
3. The Plan. It is God’s plan that every individual hear the good news of the Gospel and respond by trusting Him to be their Savior. The plan of Christmas is to celebrate the greatest gift ever—Jesus, to receive Him as Savior and Lord, and to give Him our lifelong adoration and allegiance.
May this Christmas bring you great joy, peace, and hope as we celebrate the true meaning of Christmas found in the Person, Purpose, and Plan of Jesus.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Marcille and me.
It is a joy to serve Jesus alongside you.
Bro. Wendell
Matthew 1:21