What is Christmas all about? Christmas cake and delicious food? Santa Claus, Christmas trees and presents? Christmas is not about cake and delicious food, presents and Christmas trees, or Santa Claus. The true meaning of Christmas has to do with baby Jesus who was born in a stable.
Let’s read a little about the first Christmas from the Bible (God’s Word).
And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” Matthew 1:21-23.
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” Luke 2:8-12
At the same time that the shepherds received the news of Jesus’ birth from the angel, wise men living in a faraway country in the East learned of His birth through an unusual star. Guided by this star, they traveled for many months to the city of David (Bethlehem). The wise men brought presents of gold, frankincense, and myrrh (these were very expensive gifts) to Jesus, who was born King of the Jews. These were the first Christmas presents. This story is recorded in the Bible in Matthew chapter two.
Why did Jesus Christ, the Son of God, have to be born as a baby? Jesus was born to die. The Bible explains why He came to die.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him (Jesus) might be saved. John 3:16-17
Yes, Jesus died to save us from our sins. God promised that if we believe, our sins will be forgiven and we will go to heaven. If you believe, you too can go to heaven!
The Bible records many evidences that Jesus Christ was truly the Son of God. He performed acts and miracles that no human could do (such as turning water into grape juice, healing the sick, calming the wind and waves, etc.). He also rose from the dead (came back to life).
The next time we celebrate Christmas, let’s celebrate it remembering that Jesus was born to die for us.
稚内バプテスト聖書教会・Wakkanai Baptist Bible Church 