In the hustle and bustle of holiday festivities, it’s easy to lose sight of the true essence of Christmas. Amidst the exchange of gifts, gatherings with loved ones, and the twinkling lights adorning streets, the spiritual significance of the season can often be overshadowed. However, for Christians, Christmas holds profound theological importance—it commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, the central figure of their faith. But what exactly does Jesus say about Christmas? Beyond the nativity narratives found in the Gospels, what deeper insights can we glean from His teachings? Let’s delve into the Scriptures to uncover the timeless wisdom that informs the celebration of Christmas.
The Incarnation: God With Us
At the heart of Christmas lies the doctrine of the Incarnation—the belief that in Jesus Christ, God became flesh and dwelt among humanity. The Gospel of John beautifully encapsulates this profound truth: “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” (John 1:14, ESV). This verse affirms the divine nature of Jesus and underscores His role as the embodiment of God’s love and truth.
The significance of the Incarnation cannot be overstated. It signifies God’s desire to bridge the gap between divinity and humanity, to enter into the human experience fully and intimately. As theologian Karl Barth eloquently stated, “In Jesus Christ, God himself comes into the far country to find the lost, to bear their guilt and its punishment, to represent them in their plight, and to bring them home to the Father’s house.” Thus, Christmas is a celebration of God’s radical act of love, as He humbly enters into the brokenness of the world to offer redemption and reconciliation.
The Humility of Christ
Central to the Christmas narrative is the theme of humility. The Apostle Paul beautifully articulates this aspect of Christ’s character in his letter to the Philippians: “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:5-7, ESV).
Jesus’ birth in a humble manger serves as a powerful reminder of His willingness to embrace humility and vulnerability. Despite His divine status, He chose to enter the world not as a triumphant king, but as a helpless infant born into poverty. This act of self-emptying demonstrates Jesus’ solidarity with the marginalized and downtrodden, as well as His call to His followers to embody humility and servanthood.
In the midst of the commercialization and materialism that often characterize modern-day celebrations of Christmas, the example of Christ’s humility challenges us to reevaluate our priorities and adopt a posture of humility and simplicity. As theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer aptly observed, “The celebration of Advent is possible only to those who are troubled in soul, who know themselves to be poor and imperfect, and who look forward to something greater to come.”
The Call to Love and Compassion
Another fundamental aspect of Jesus’ message that is particularly pertinent to the Christmas season is the call to love and compassion. Throughout His ministry, Jesus emphasized the importance of loving one’s neighbor and caring for the marginalized and vulnerable members of society. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus declares, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me” (Matthew 25:40, ESV), highlighting the inseparable connection between love for God and love for others.
The Christmas story itself is replete with examples of compassion and kindness. From the hospitality extended to Mary and Joseph by the innkeeper to the visit of the shepherds and the magi, the nativity narrative exemplifies the power of love to transcend boundaries and bring people together.
As we reflect on the true meaning of Christmas, we are reminded of our call to emulate Christ’s love and compassion in our interactions with others. Whether it’s through acts of generosity, kindness, or service to those in need, we have the opportunity to embody the spirit of Christmas by extending love and compassion to all whom we encounter.
The Gift of Salvation
Ultimately, the greatest gift of Christmas is the gift of salvation made possible through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As the angel proclaimed to the shepherds on that first Christmas night, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11, ESV).
Christmas serves as a poignant reminder of God’s unmerited grace and His unfailing love for humanity. Through the birth of Jesus, God offers the world a pathway to redemption and eternal life. As the Apostle Paul declares, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23, ESV).
In the midst of the festivities and merriment that accompany Christmas, it is crucial not to lose sight of the profound significance of this gift of salvation. It is a reminder of God’s faithfulness to His promises and His unwavering commitment to reconcile humanity to Himself.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the true meaning of Christmas extends far beyond the glittering decorations and seasonal cheer. At its core, Christmas is a celebration of the Incarnation—the miraculous event in which God entered into human history in the person of Jesus Christ. Through His birth, life, death, and resurrection, Jesus offers humanity the gift of salvation, inviting us into a deeper relationship with God.
As we gather with family and friends to celebrate this joyous occasion, let us not forget the timeless wisdom imparted by Jesus Himself. Let us embrace humility, love, and compassion, following in the footsteps of the One whose birth we commemorate. And may the spirit of Christmas inspire us to embody these virtues not only during the holiday season but throughout the year, as we seek to reflect the light of Christ in a world in need of hope and redemption.
FAQs
1. Did Jesus ever celebrate Christmas?
No, Jesus did not celebrate Christmas as we know it today. The celebration of Christmas as the birth of Jesus began centuries after his death. The early Christian church did not observe his birth in the same way as his death and resurrection. Christmas as an annual celebration on December 25th gained popularity in the 4th century. However, the biblical accounts in the New Testament focus more on Jesus’ life, teachings, death, and resurrection rather than his birth.
2. Why is Christmas important to God?
Christmas is important to many Christians because it commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, whom they believe is the Son of God and the savior of humanity. It is a time for believers to reflect on the significance of Jesus’ coming into the world, fulfilling prophecies, and bringing hope, peace, and salvation. For God, Christmas represents the fulfillment of His promise to send a Messiah to redeem mankind, demonstrating His love and mercy towards humanity.
3. What is the reason for Christmas?
The reason for Christmas varies depending on cultural and religious perspectives. For Christians, the primary reason for Christmas is to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, whom they believe is the Son of God and the promised Messiah. It is a time to remember and reflect on the incarnation of Jesus, where God took on human form to dwell among humanity. Christmas is also associated with themes of love, peace, joy, and salvation, as it marks the beginning of God’s plan to reconcile humanity to Himself. Additionally, Christmas serves as a time for families and communities to come together, share goodwill, and spread kindness and generosity.