What Is the True Meaning of Christmas? Bible Verses Reveal Reason for the Holiday

By Leah Marieann Klett
Christmas
Christmas falls annually on December 25.

Christmas is undoubtedly one of the most joyful holidays of the year. From gifts under the tree to turkey dinners with family and friends--the holiday is celebrated by all nationalities, ages and religions.

But amid the bustle and buying, the family and the presents, take a moment aside to reflect on the true reason for the holiday--Jesus Christ.

Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of the Christ child. Luke 2:4-19 reveals that God sent His Son, Jesus, into the world to be born to Mary, a young woman, and Joseph, her husband. Shepherds, wise men, and angels all shared in the joy of the event, as the prophets of old had told of His coming hundreds of years before. The star stopped over Bethlehem to mark the way for those who visiting the holy child.

Luke 2: 8-14 recounts:

"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.

This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

God sent His son, Jesus, into the world so that one day, He would grow up to become the Savior of the world. He would pay the price for the sins of humanity by dying on the cross.

The Bible says that  "all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." All of humanity is born with a sinful nature and unable to please God on our own accord. But there is hope!

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 incredible act of love.

The only way to remove this sin is through the blood of Jesus Christ. If we confess our sin and believe that God is faithful to forgive us for them, we are clean and made whole. We can have confidence  that heaven is a place where we can go to when this life is over.

God  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).

Jesus' story is one of truth, love, and hope that brought salvation to all of humanity. Without the birth of Jesus Christ, there would be no hope of Heaven for humanity.

This Christmas, remember the true meaning of the holiday and celebrate God's incredible act of love. Celebrate Christmas out of gratitude for what God did for humanity and remember His birth by giving gifts, worshiping Him, and rejoicing in the promise of Heaven. 

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