The Reason for the Season

"Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 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. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS."

Matthew 1:18-25                                             

Christ came to die so you might live.

The history of Christmas celebrations can be traced as far back as 353 AD, when December 25 was authorized as the official day to celebrate the birth of Christ. That date has been debated through the years as to the more accurate day to celebrate Jesus' birth, but the December 25 holiday remains.

 Another date in Christmas history came in 1832, when Professor Charles Follen lit the first Christmas tree in America. Throughout the years the focus has changed from celebrating Christ's birth to noting the arrival of the winter solstice, to giving children a holiday to receive gifts.

Yet whatever the focus, one thing is true-the original meaning for Christmas (the celebration of our Saviour's birth) has been lost by many.

What is the true reason for celebrating Christmas? Is it a chance to decorate, give gifts, and enjoy festivities? Is it a time to seek peace on earth and goodwill toward men? Is it a time of brotherly love and joy?

Consider the words of the traditional Christmas song, "Away in a Manger," which was first published in a children's book in 1885:

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed
The little Lord Jesus lay down his sweet head
The stars in the sky look down where he lay
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.

Many of the early Christmas carols focused on the birth of Christ: "Hark the Herald Angels Sing," "The First Noel," "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," "It Came Upon A Midnight Clear," and others. They were sung in celebration of the birth of the Lord.

As we are still a few days away from Christmas, I challenge you to take time to refocus your heart this season on Christ. Shopping can be fun, purchasing gifts is exciting, and enjoying the activities this time of year is joyful. Yet don't forget that had God not sent His Son to pay for our sins, there would be no Christmas.

This time of year is all about Christ. It's all about the sacrifice He made to provide a way of salvation for the world. He came so He could die; and He died so we may live. He deserves all glory, honor, praise, and thankfulness for that.

Take a moment right now to thank God for sending Jesus to earth. Thank Him for the gift of a child, the Christ-child who lived a sinless life, died, and rose three days later so that you can one day live with God for all eternity.