The Real Meaning of Christmas

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During this time of year the real meaning of Christmas is sometimes overcast by material and commercial traditions.  Many of us, including myself take part in these traditions, but it is so important to take the time to reflect on what the true biblical meaning of Christmas is really all about. Maybe you’re not sure what Christmas is really about. Perhaps, this article will help. Christmas is when the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ is observed.

What does the birth of Jesus mean?

Christ’s entry into the world was an extraordinary event. God sent his Son, who was sinless and perfect to be a sacrifice for the world, thus conquering the sins that we cannot atone for ourselves. It is a fulfillment of prophecy and the promise from God outlined in many places in the old testament starting with Genesis 3:15 and including such scriptures like Isaiah 9:6 which says, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace”.

This prophecy was fulfilled in Matthew 1:20-23 and was spoken to Joseph by an angel of the Lord.  “But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”—which means, “God with us.”  Because of this, we should rejoice at Christmas time and celebrate the fulfillment of God’s grace as prophesied in the scriptures!

Jesus was born because God loves you!

Jesus was born to save the world from sin. He was born because God loves you and wants to save you!   He wants to have a personal relationship with you through his Son Jesus Christ. John 3:16, the most famous verse in the Bible says it all. “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” God’s gift to the world was eternal life through Jesus Christ. Eternal life is a free gift given by the grace of God.

No one can earn the gift of eternal life on their own.

The Bible says in Ephesians 2:8-9(NLT), “God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.” This means that no one can earn a place in heaven by doing good works, having good conduct, going to church, being baptized or being a part of a religious group or denomination. No one can earn a relationship with God or save themselves by doing any or all of these things.

What does God want to save you from?

According to the scriptures, everyone is a sinner. The Bible says in Romans 3:23, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” No one has the power to pay for their own sins. The penalty for sin is eternal separation from God forever (Romans 6:23).  Only Jesus has the power to save us from our sins.

What did Jesus do after he was born?

This holy baby born of a virgin grew up and became a man. He was also God in the flesh (John 1:14). He was sinless and perfect (Hebrews 4:15). He preached the Gospel of salvation (Matthew 4:23). He willingly laid down his life for you and me in his death on the cross (John 10:17-18 & John 15:13). Three days later, Jesus rose from the grave (Matthew 28:1-10) and is alive and will return for those who turn away from their sins and trust him as Lord and Savior (Acts 1:9-11).

This is the real meaning of Christmas. God’s grace and plan of salvation through his son, Jesus Christ is an incredible expression of his love and mercy. To me, it is the true meaning of life itself and the greatest Christmas gift of all!

How does a person have a personal relationship with God?

God loves you so very much. Even when you feel at your utmost lowest or felt like you cannot be forgiven, God loves you more than you know and has incredible plans for you. No person is beyond his love.

Accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is very simple. It requires turning away from your sins (repenting) and trusting (having faith) in Christ alone for eternal life. All you have to do is admit to God that you are a sinner and agree that your sin is separating you from him. Believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay the punishment for your sins and was raised from the dead. You must be willing to turn your life over to God and give him control of your life. If this is what you want to do, all you have to say is a simple prayer like this:

“Dear God, I know that I am a sinner and cannot save myself. Today, I turn away from my sins and ask for forgiveness. I also place my complete faith and trust in Jesus Christ’s death on the cross to pay the punishment for my sins and believe he rose from the dead. I accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. Dear God, take control of my life from this day forward and help me to follow your plan for my life. Thank you for saving me. It is in the name of Jesus that I pray. Amen.”

If you’ve prayed this prayer or have more questions, please click here.  If you already know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, please share this article with those in your life  that don’t know him personally.  Thanks for listening, God bless you and Merry Christmas!