What is the Meaning of
C H R I S T M A S?
The Merriam-Webster dictonary tells us that it is a Christian feast on December 25 (or among some Eastern Orthodox on January 7), that it commemorates the birth of Christ, and is usually observed as a legal holiday.
So if Christmas is about the birth of Jesus, let's look to the Bible to see what Jesus Himself says about His birth.
When Jesus was on trial before the Roman governor Pontius Pilate, Pilate said to Him, "Are You a king then?" Jesus answered,"You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice."
It is wise, then, to listen to His voice! Jesus often called Himself "the Son of Man". And He said, "the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."
Why was a RANSOM necessary? Why did God have to GIVE His Son, why did the Son have to GIVE His life?
It's because of SIN. That little word has a big meaning. Sin is rebellion against God's commands: to love Him supremely, to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. We all fail to love and worship God with all our hearts. We hate, rob, betray, and lie to one another.
Jesus is the Savior Who gave His life as a sacrifice for the sins of His people. He took their punishment for sin when He died on the cross. But that's not all!
Just as angels announced Jesus' birth to the shepherds, an angel had good news for the women who came to Jesus' grave after Jesus had been buried:
"He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead."
Jesus rose from the dead to show that His sacrifice did the job! Jesus' purpose or mission in life as SAVIOR was now fulfilled!
The salvation which this Savior gives is a salvation from the guilt, bondage, and corruption of SIN. It ends the alienation of the soul from God which sin causes.
Like a Christmas present, this salvation is not something anyone earns or deserves.
"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
God offers salvation to whoever longs for it!
And the Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.
The "bride" in the above passage from the Bible is the
The Church is not a building, but is all the people of every color, from all nations and languages, and from all ages who have come to know this great Savior, Jesus the Lord.
A member of one of the congregations of Christ…one small, local expression of that global, timeless people of God…probably gave you this pamphlet. We hope you will seek out that congregation or one like it, to further discuss these matters of eternal significance.