The real meaning of Christmas

The real meaning of Christmas

Text: Luke 2:4-19.

“Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.

So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.
For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.

And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, 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, goodwill toward men!”

So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.”

And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger.  Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child.  And all those who heard it marvelled at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart” Luke 2:4-19.

1.    But what is the real meaning of Christmas?

December has come around again and with it all the joys of Christmas.

Is it the Christmas gifts under the tree?

The Christmas lights in the windows?

The Christmas cards in the post?

Snow on the ground?

Stockings hanging in the living room.

Shouts of “Merry Christmas” to those who pass us by in the streets?

Turkey dinners with family and friends?

Yet, for many people, Christmas is a time of sorrow. They do not have the extra money to buy presents for their children, family, and friends. Many are saddened at Christmastime when they think of their loved ones who will not be home for various reasons. Turkey dinners may be only a wish and not a reality for some.

2.    Is this the real Christmas?

Yet, Christmas can be a season of great joy. It is a time of God showing His great love for us. It can be a time of healing and renewed strength. You see, Christmas is when we celebrate the birth of the Christ child. God sent His Son, Jesus, into the world to be born. His birth brought great joy to the world.

Shepherds, wise men, and angels all shared in the excitement of knowing about this great event. They knew this was no ordinary baby. The prophets had told of His coming hundreds of years before. The star stopped over Bethlehem just to mark the way for those who were looking for this special child.

See, Jesus is the Reason for the Season! It is not “Happy Holidays” but, “Happy Christ’s-birth.”

The true meaning of Christmas is love John 3:16-17 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”

The true meaning of Christmas is the celebration of this amazing act of love. The real Christmas story is the story of God taking on human form in the Person of Jesus Christ. Why did God do such a thing? Because He loves us!

3.    Why was Christmas necessary?

If Christmas is about Christ birth. Why did Jesus come? Because we needed a Saviour!

Jesus was born so that one day the price could be paid for the things we have done that are wrong. The Bible says: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” Romans 3:23. We are all born with a sin nature. We do a thing that does not please God. Through the sins of Adam and Eve, we have all inherited that sin nature. We need to have that removed.

Why does God love us so much? Because He is love itself “He who does not love does not know God, for God is love” 1 John 4:8. God loved His own and provided a way—the only Way—for us to spend eternity with Him.

He gave His only Son to take our punishment for our sins. He paid the price in full, and we are free from condemnation when we accept that free gift of love. “But God demonstrated His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” Romans 5:8.

4.    The true meaning of Christmas is love.

Why do we celebrate Christmas each year? Out of thankfulness for what God did for us, we remember His birth by giving each other gifts, worshipping Him, and being especially aware of the poor and needy round about us.

Conclusion:

  

Look at Christmas in a new way this year. This is the year to invite Jesus into your heart. You will then have a “Happy Christmas.” The joy and peace that you will receive will last all year as you look to God for all your needs to be met.

Jesus is the Reason for the Season! Rejoice!