The True Meaning Of Christmas

The origin of Christmas is the "Christ mass" or the yearly church gathering in which the birth of Jesus was celebrated. The Bible offers many reasons for why believers celebrate the birth of Jesus as the true meaning of Christmas.

First, the birth of Jesus fulfilled many Old Testament prophecies. Isaiah 7:14 notes, "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." Isaiah 9:6 adds, "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

Second, the birth of Jesus marked God coming to live among His people. John 1:14 shares, "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." The One who made all things came and walked among humanity: "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him" (Colossians 1:16).

Third, the birth of Jesus served as part of God's redemption. Jesus came to earth, lived, died, and rose again to offer eternal life to all who believe (John 3:16). After His resurrection He ascended to heaven (Acts 1:6-11), waiting to return once again for His people (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

But why did Jesus come to our world? First John 4:8-9 shares, "… God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him." Love was what brought Jesus into this world through a virgin birth in a manger in Bethlehem.

This love also offers us eternal life through faith in Him (Ephesians 2:8-9; Acts 4:12). Though we are sinners, Christ has died for us (Romans 5:8), offering the greatest gift of all—eternal life. The true meaning of Christmas is found in the gift of Jesus coming to earth to offer salvation to all people.