Millions of people around the world celebrate the Christmas season. As Christians, we observe it as a religious holiday on December 25th. It is a time to reflect and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. For over 2 billion Christians in the world, Jesus is the reason for the season!
Sometimes, though, we can get bogged down in the traditions. I don’t know about your family, but we have our favorite Christmas decorations, meals, and treats. We send Christmas cards, give gifts, and celebrate with family.
There are also Christmas parties, concerts, and special church services to attend.
Yes, the holiday season can be busy, but we can experience the true joy of Christmas when we focus intentionally on the real reason for the season.
Reason for the Season Meaning
Why do we celebrate the birth of Jesus?
It is a time to honor, recognize, and reflect on the greatest gift we have ever received. With the purest and most loving intentions, God sent us the perfect gift of His Son.
This should not be just a catchy phrase, but a time of thankfulness for the promises of peace, hope, joy, forgiveness, and eternal life that His birth brings.
Where in the Bible Does it Say Jesus is the Reason?
There are no Bible verses that contain this phrase. But there are several that remind us that Jesus is the real reason for the Christmas season.
Luke 2:10-11
“Then the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.’”
This is the greatest event in history! This good news deserves a celebration “fit for a King!”
Matthew 1:23
“The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel- which means ‘God with us.’”
Jesus left His throne in heaven to be born as a baby in the humblest of conditions. He came down to earth to save us; something we could never do ourselves.
Isaiah 9:6
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Might God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Jesus’ birth was the fulfillment of this message of hope- a promise kept. Reading the fulfilled prophecy of Jesus’ birth shows us the intricate plan that came to fruition at exactly the right time and place.
The True Christmas Spirit
What is the spiritual meaning behind Christmas? It’s what’s in our hearts all year round but celebrated uniquely at Christmas time.
It’s a spirit of giving, hope, love, and joy. It comes from acknowledging and celebrating God’s gift of His only Son. There is no greater gift than this!
Taking the time to pause and reflect on the different traditions of our Christmas celebrations helps us connect with Him; allowing time to think about what Christmas means to us personally.
Let’s look at a few of the ways we can keep Jesus as the reason for the season in our traditions.
Was Jesus Born on Christmas?
We’ve probably all heard the objection that Jesus wasn’t even born on December 25th, but that doesn’t have to stop us from celebrating on that day.
Early church Christians didn’t even celebrate birthdays, let alone Christmas! It wasn’t until 336 AD, when an old list of Roman bishops showed the first recorded celebration of Jesus’ birth on December 25th.
No one, however, really knows the exact date of His birth. While we observe Jesus’ birth on December 25th, some scholars have placed His birth in the spring!
We can acknowledge His birth on this day, celebrating that Jesus came at the perfect time!
“But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under law.” Galatians 4:4
God’s timing is always perfect!
Reflect on God’s perfect timing so we can sweep away doubt and replace it with peace and hope in our lives.
Light at Christmas
Decorating with Christmas lights can remind us of the many symbols of light in the Christmas story.
The shepherds received an angelic visit to announce the birth of Christ, and “the glory of the Lord shone around them.” Luke 2:8. It must have been blinding in that dark field!
The Light of the World was born! Jesus came to shine a light into this dark world.
“I am the Light of the world. He who follows me will not walk in the darkness but will have the Light of life.” John 8:12.
Rejoice that we never need to walk in the darkness again!
The Christmas Star
We have a glittery golden star we put on the top of our tree every year. It’s easy to walk past it and not even notice it. We frequently see stars as ornaments, on Christmas cards, and in decorations.
The Wise Men followed Jesus’ star to lead them to the “one who has been born king of the Jews.” Matthew 2:2.
When the star stopped over the place where Jesus was, they felt immense joy and went inside to worship Him.
Intentionally look for stars in this season. As you notice them, reflect on how you worship and seek Him.
The Gifts of the Magi
Giving gifts to friends and family at Christmas aren’t a Biblical tradition.
But the Christmas story of the Wise Men tells us they brought gifts to baby Jesus. They brought luxury items fit for a king.
Gold, frankincense, and myrrh were all valuable and expensive items.
God has given us the greatest gift of all. Each Christmas, we can “unwrap” the gift of God’s Son, the real reason for the season.
Have you ever considered giving birthday gifts to Jesus? As we celebrate this season with gift giving, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the spiritual gifts we can bring to Him.
Is there something you need to let go of? What keeps you from Him? Is there something you want Him to help you change in yourself?
Christmas Carols Music
The very first Christmas carol recorded was “Angels Hymn” in 129 AD. Over time, Christmas songs evolved and people widely used them in the 19th century.
As far as we know, no one sang to Jesus at His birth, so why do we sing Christmas carols?
Christmas carols are a way to put the nativity story to music. The lyrics from one of the first Christmas carols were from Luke 2:14:
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
These favorite songs express the anticipation, hope, love, and joy we see in the story of Jesus’ birth.
Listening to Christmas carols is almost a Bible study in itself! There are so many themes that bring inspiration and comfort into the season of Jesus’ birth.
Challenge yourself to find at least one Biblical truth in every Christmas carol you hear. Then spend some time thinking of how you can apply that truth to your life.
The Reason for Christmas
As Christians, we all believe that the birth of Jesus is the reason for the season, but it can get lost in all the hectic preparations and traditions we love.
Maybe we just need a “refresh” and look at the Christmas story with a new perspective.
Spend time reading about the people who were integral parts of the Christmas story; put yourself in their shoes. Ask yourself what you would have done in their situation.
Mary of Nazareth
An angel appears to Mary and informs her of the immaculate conception through the Holy Spirit. God had found favor in her and chose her to be the mother of the Messiah.
Her response?
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” Luke 1:38.
Would you be as obedient as Mary, even as she wrestled with confusion and fear?
Joseph in the Christmas Story
Joseph showed courage and gentle compassion for Mary, as well as feelings of disappointment and hurt.
“Because Joseph, her husband, was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.” Matthew 1:19.
How do you respond when you are wronged? Or when God asks you to put your feelings aside and take on a difficult role?
Christmas Shepherds
The first birth announcement comes to lowly shepherds tending their flocks at night. They go to Bethlehem to see their newborn King, then “spread the word concerning what they had been told them about this child.” Luke 2:17.
Have you ever felt too insignificant to be used by God? Let the story of Mary and the shepherds encourage you! Are you telling others the story about the birth of baby Jesus?
The Real Reason for the Season
If we want to honor Jesus as the “reason for the season”, we can show His love to others and live as He did.
This Christmas, feed the hungry, give to the poor, show grace and mercy, be kind and compassionate to everyone.
Love your neighbor, forgive freely, communicate often with your heavenly Father.
There are so many opportunities to do these things and show others that Jesus is the reason you celebrate the season of Christmas.
Wishing you a very blessed and Merry Christmas!
AnnMarie
All Scripture is taken from the NIV unless specified otherwise.
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