Everywhere that we look and listen we hear and see Santa Claus. People are rushing around preparing for parties and buying presents. We sing and dream of giving and receiving gifts. In the midst of it all, it is rather apparent that the one whom Christmas is about has been forgotten.
Do you know what the word Christmas means? "Mas" comes from the word mass and means celebration. Christmas is the celebration of Christ. Specifically, it is the yearly celebration of His birth.
Because of whom Jesus was and is, His birth is a genuine reason to celebrate. When Jesus was born nearly 2,000 years ago, an angel announced His birth to shepherds in Bethlehem as “good news of great joy which will be all for all the people” (Luke 2:10). “For”, he said, “there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:11).
Jesus was then and is today a Savior. Jesus’ name means “God saves.” Did you know He was born for you? The Scripture says, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life" (John 3:16). The title “Christ” means “Anointed One” or “Messiah”. Jesus is the one God has chosen to be the Savior of all who believe in Him. Christmas means you can be saved. You can be saved from your sins.
Recently, the U.S. government bailed out two of the principal industries in the American economy. It appeared that without an outside rescue both the banking and automobile industries were headed for extermination. While some can debate whether or not they truly needed to be bailed out, from their perspective there was no choice – they had to be saved.
Have you ever truly comprehended your own spiritual bankruptcy? Do you agree with the Bible’s assessment that you “have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23)? Jesus was born for the people who know they need a Savior. He said, “It is not those who are well who need a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance" (Luke 5:31-32). Do you think you’re a sinner in need of a Savior, or do you think that you’re righteous and in no need of Jesus? Do you honestly think your righteousness can measure up to the righteousness of God? Are you genuinely unaware of the thousands of evil thoughts, desires, attitudes, and actions that have marred you in God’s eyes? Do you not know of God’s absolute hatred of all sin and the eternal judgment that awaits all those who have not been saved? What can wash away your sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus! What can make you whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus!
Christmas is cause for gigantic celebration! Jesus was born for you. He was born to die so that you might live. He took God’s wrath for your sin in your place on the cross. Now this is a reason to celebrate! I hope that you will make sure this year that your family and friends know what Christmas really is and what it means. May you have a wonderful and merry Christmas!