December 25
Bible Reading: John 3:16; 2 Corinthians 8:9, 9:15; 1 Timothy 1:15
I have a friend who always knows how many days it is until Christmas. For him, the holiday isn’t just about the festivities but about its profound meaning and message. If we are to celebrate Christmas as God intended, we must first understand why it exists.
I once heard a tragic story about a mother hosting a birthday party for her one-year-old son. As guests arrived, she placed their jackets on the bed where her baby slept. When the celebration began, the baby was found smothered beneath the coats—the very reason for the gathering was forgotten. Similarly, we risk losing sight of the real reason for Christmas amidst the holiday bustle.
As D.L. Moody says, “The main thing is keeping the main thing the main thing.” So, what is the “main thing” about Christmas? Growing up in a non-Christian home, my family celebrated Christmas with decorations, delicious food, and gifts—my favorite part. Yet, I never understood why there was Christmas.
Some argue that we shouldn’t celebrate it all, because of its supposed pagan origins or because Jesus likely wasn’t born on December 25th. But the problem isn’t in celebrating; it’s in celebrating without understanding its purpose.
The Bible provides the answer: Christmas is about God saving sinners, as 1 Timothy 1:15 succinctly declares, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.”
He Came Deliberately. Jesus, the eternal Son of God, came by design, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies (Luke 24:44). Though rich, He became poor for our sake (2 Corinthians 8:9). He left heaven’s glory and entered our broken world, motivated by God’s love (John 3:16). Christmas is a deliberate display of God’s grace, manifest in Christ.
He Came to Save. From His birth, Jesus was destined to die. Myrrh, a gift from the wise men, symbolized this destiny. Simeon foretold it (Luke 2:35), Jesus predicted it (Mark 8:31), and He embraced it (Luke 9:51). His death wasn’t an unfortunate end, but the very purpose of His coming (Acts 2:23). He came to bear our sins (2 Corinthians 5:21), turning His cradle into a pathway to the cross, and a gateway for salvation.
He Came for Sinners. We are all sinners (Romans 3:23), deserving judgment (Romans 6:23). Yet, Jesus offers forgiveness and new life through faith in Him. Christmas is the celebration of this gift—God’s indescribable grace (2 Corinthians 9:15). Paul, once a persecutor of Christians, exemplifies this transformation. If God could save him, He can save anyone.
A.W. Tozer summarized it well: “Why did Christ come? … That He might make worshipers out of rebels and restore us to the place of worship we were created for.” The “why” of Christmas is simple: Jesus came to rescue sinners and transform them into devoted worshipers. If we miss this truth, we miss the point of Christmas. Have you trusted in Him? If not, don’t wait (Acts 16:31). If you have, you already know why.
Jesus came to rescue sinners and transform them into devoted worshipers.
THOU DIDST LEAVE THY THRONE
Thou didst leave Thy throne and Thy kingly crown,
When Thou camest to earth for me;
But in Bethlehem’s home was there found no room
For Thy holy nativity.
O come to my heart, Lord Jesus,
There is room in my heart for Thee.
Heaven’s arches rang when the angels sang,
Proclaiming Thy royal degree;
But of lowly birth didst Thou come to earth,
And in great humility.
O come to my heart, Lord Jesus,
There is room in my heart for Thee.
The foxes found rest, and the birds their nest
In the shade of the forest tree;
But Thy couch was the sod, O Thou Son of God,
In the deserts of Galilee.
O come to my heart, Lord Jesus,
There is room in my heart for Thee.
Thou camest, O Lord, with the living word
That should set Thy people free;
But with mocking scorn, and with crown of thorn,
They bore Thee to Calvary.
O come to my heart, Lord Jesus,
There is room in my heart for Thee.
When the heavens shall ring, and the angels sing,
At Thy coming to victory,
Let Thy voice call me home, saying “Yet there is room,
There is room at My side for thee.”
My heart shall rejoice, Lord Jesus,
When Thou comest and callest for me.
LookingtoJesus 