The Real Meaning Of Christmas

Not everything about Christmas is exciting or memorable.To many, Christmas is Santa Claus, gifts,tinsel, holiday meals Christmas cards, and a frenzy of exhausting activity ("shop 'til you drop!) Why not stop and reflect with me on what Christmas is really all about?

Christmas centres around Jesus Christ when one considers its true meaning. In essence, Christmas originates with Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour.

Who is Jesus Christ? According to prophecy (Isaiah 9:6,7), the child who would be born of a virgin would be none other than "the wonderful Counsellor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father (the Giver of all life), the Prince of peace", Whose kingdom would never end. This prophecy about Jesus Christ was given over 700 years before Jesus was born.

When one turns to the New Testament, Matthew records that the angel said His name would be " "Immanuel" ("God with us"), and "Jesus" (a Greek abbreviation for the Hebrew name "Joshua") meaning "Jehovah saves". In John 1: 1-12, Jesus is set forth as "the Word" Who was always part of the holy Trinity, the One Who ever proceeds from the Father. He is the Light and the Life of man, which the darkness cannot put out or comprehend. In other words, Jesus is Jehovah God come in the flesh to carry out all God's saving purposes on earth.

Why did Jesus come? He came to be the sacrifice for our sins (John 3:16). On the cross, He died in our place, bearing the punishment for our sins. He came to give His life as a ransom for us (Matthew 20:28). He is the "propitiation" ("peace offering"...I John 2:2)for our sins Who, as the great Prince of Peace, gives peace with God when a life is given to Him. He is the only One Who can bring peace to this troubled world. So God's purpose to save mankind is fulfilled only through this Heavenly King(John 14:6, Acts 4:12).

What about us? In John 1:12, the Bible states that, when He was born, His own people did not receive Him as their King. But it continues to say that, to as many as receive Him (by faith), He gives the right to become children of God, even to those who believe on Him! As we give Him control over our lives, we no longer live for ourselves but for Him Who rose again from the dead II Corinthians 5:l5). The cross and the cradle must be seen in juxtaposition to each other. Jesus came to die on the cross in order to save those who put their trust in Him. This is the saving purpose for God the Father sending His Son to this sinful earth.

What about The future? Overwhelmingly, the Bible teaches clearly that Jesus is coming again, this time not as baby in a manger, but as conquering King of Kings and Lord of all (cf. Revelation 19). His majesty is foretold in II Thessalonians 1:1-8.

This "Day Of The Lord" will be a day of grief for those who have rejected Christ Jesus, our Lord. And it will be a day of rejoicing for those who have received Him by faith into their hearts and have sought to live for Him. On that day, the Word of God (the Bible) states that the Kingdoms of this world will become the kingdom our Lord and of His Christ (Jesus) and He will reign forever and ever. Praise the Lord!!

Nothing can better summarize the reason for the season than that of Handel's "Messiah" and especially its last anthem, "The Hallelujah Chorus". If you haven't done so, I would urge you to accept Christ (the Messiah) Jesus as your Lord and Master this Christmas. He will be your greatest gift, a gift from God Himself and make Christmas a wonderful experience for you.