Every year, as the days grow shorter and the festive lights twinkle, we gather across the UK and the world to celebrate Christmas Day, the 25th of December. It’s a time interwoven with cherished traditions, from the joyous melodies of Christmas carols and the scent of pine from a decorated tree, to the giving of gifts and the merriment of seasonal gatherings.
Amidst this wonderful flurry of activity, you might pause and reflect: What is the true meaning of Christmas? And how do these familiar traditions connect us to the story of Jesus?
What is the True Meaning of Christmas?
The true meaning of Christmas is far from the hustle and bustle surrounding gift-giving, Santa, consumerism, and holiday food. Instead, Christmas is the time of year when we remember God’s love for humanity, the gift of his only son, Jesus Christ, the nativity story as told by the Bible, and the promise of eternal life because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The Christmas story is truly one of humility, awe, and peace.
Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus. The origins of Christmas are a transformative event that unfolded around 2,000 years ago in Bethlehem, which is a story many Christians know well. Christ’s birth changed history, transforming the manner in which human beings interact with the Almighty. Jesus’ birth was a fulfillment of prophecy, and his sacrifice on the cross saved humanity. John 3:16 (NIV) tells us:
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Jesus Christ was born for a purpose.
The full Christmas story begins thousands of years earlier in the Garden of Eden, with the temptation and fall of the first two human beings.
Why was He born?
The story gets better – not only has God come to us, become one of us, but He has also come for us! The Bible explains the reason for Jesus’s coming: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15).
The name Christ refers to God’s long-promised Messiah, a deliverer who would come to rescue humanity from its plight. The reason humans are separated from God is simple: we choose to be. Our pride, selfishness, and sinfulness demonstrate that we have refused Him in our lives. Life without God is ultimately meaningless and hopeless; we are alive physically but dead spiritually.
The good news is that Jesus was born so we could be born again. The true Christmas story is not just that God came to be with us temporarily, but that, through Jesus, we can be with God eternally.
How can I be born again?
In one sense, you cannot contribute to being born again any more than you contributed to being born naturally. Eternal life comes to us, not because we are good, but because Jesus, who was and is absolutely good, gave His life for us. His perfect life and sacrificial death on the cross mean that through faith in Him we can receive eternal life.
Being born again is a gift, and you receive it in the same way you receive any other gift, simply by taking it. However, a gift can also be refused – if we do not want what is offered, but in this case, there are consequences for that. The Bible sums it up: “the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).
You can enjoy the gift of God or regret refusing it forever – the choice is yours. This Christmas, ensure that, for you, it truly is a season of joy by receiving Christ as your Saviour. Even if a dark cloud hangs over the season, His promise is: “you now have sorrow; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you” (John 16:22).
When we choose to believe and surrender our lives to Jesus, his blood cleanses us from all our sin. As we accept this gift of salvation, we are reunited with God. Jesus becomes our personal Saviour, and we can enjoy the blessings of being his child! Someday, Jesus is coming back. He will take all the true believers to heaven, and there they will live forever with God. It is my sincere prayer that you will make that all-important decision today. If you are ready to commit your life to Jesus Christ, then pray this prayer:
“Jesus, I believe that you are the Son of God and Saviour of the world. I believe that you died for my sins and rose from the dead. I believe that through your sacrifice, I am a new person. Forgive me for my sin and fill me with your Spirit. Today, I choose to follow you for the rest of my life as Lord of my life. Amen.”
How awesome is that! Now what are the next steps?
Please fill this form, and we’ll reach out to you or call us on 07425483933, and someone in our team will discuss with you to explain the significance of your decision and guide you on the next steps
God’s love is for everyone. You are not alone. You are loved, and you can feel hopeful and joyful. That is the true meaning of Christmas.
