WHY CHRISTMAS?

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.

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Author: looking2jesus13

Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces. Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon. Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries. After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year. Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley. International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith. Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully. Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.

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