Family, gifts, rest (for some), and really good food – Christmas holds special value for different reasons. The festive period is an opportunity for us to demonstrate love and appreciation for others through gift-giving and quality time with friends and family.
However, it is evident that Christmas has lost its true Christian meaning and has become an annual holiday with a heavy commercial influence. In 2022, YouGov released a poll that showed that 41% of Britons believed that the birth of Jesus Christ was ‘not important at all’.
While the statistic is indeed alarming, it does raise the question, do they know why the birth of the Lord Jesus is important and relevant to them? Likely not. Such a statistic warrants the writing of this brief article addressing the question – what, or who, is Christmas all about?. The clue is in the name – CHRISTmas.
At Christmas, we are reminded of the fact that He came into the world – His birth. It is celebrated because of what He would go on to do for us later in His life. Below are three verses from the Bible that summarise why the Lord Jesus came:
“The Father sent the Son (Jesus Christ) to be the Saviour of the world” (1 John 4:14)
“Thou shalt call His name Jesus for He shall save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21)
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son (Jesus Christ), that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16)
So the Lord Jesus came to save people from their sins. How would He do this? Below are three verses from the Bible that summarise how:
“Christ died for our sins” (1 Corinthians 15:3)
“For when we were yet without strength, in due time, Christ died for the ungodly” (Romans 5:6)
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8)
So, by dying, the Lord Jesus suffered the punishment that we deserve for our sins. That means we can escape judgement from God and, instead, receive forgiveness and eternal life from God, if we repent and put our trust in the Lord Jesus.
Beyond the gifts, food, and festivities, Christmas is a reminder of God’s incredible love in sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to save us from our sins. Remembering Christ at the centre of Christmas not only gives the holiday its deepest joy but also points us to the hope and salvation that He offers to all who believe.
If you want to learn more about the Christmas story and how it can impact you, then come to Hebron Gospel Hall on December 21st for our Christmas Service – you will be made most welcome!