Jesus is the Reason for the Season
"She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins" ( Matthew 1:21 )
Christmas is a special time especially for believers. This is the time we set aside to celebrate our Saviors birth. The world as we know it slows down enough, if only for a day, to rejoice in an event that a happened over 2000 years ago. Understanding the importance of this event is necessary to celebrate the season in fullness. God sent his son, born of a virgin, into the world to save and redeem mankind. With the birth of Jesus, God extended his love and mercy to the world. What an amazing gift this was and what a great season to be able to stop, take a moment and reflect on this wonderful occasion.
The birth of Jesus was not an insignificant event, in fact it was the dawn of something wonderful. God took great pains to announce the Savior was coming into world, both before he was born and again when the event happened. The reason was the birth of Jesus ushered in a new era for mankind. Luke 2 is an account of how Angels appeared to simple Shepherds to announce the birth of his God's son Jesus. The amazing thing they relayed unto the shepherds was an announcement of peace between God and mankind. Up until this time, God deal with humanity on the bases of the law and blessings and curses. But when the angels surrounded the shepherds guarding their flocks they announced peace unto mankind ( Luke 2:8-20 ). They were not speaking of peace on earth or peace among men, but they were heralding peace towards mankind on behalf of God. "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." ( Luke 2:14 ). They announced the beginning of the new covenant where God was not holding mans sins against them, he was extending His love and mercy towards us.
Throughout the entire Old Testament, God used the prophets of old to prophesy about the coming Messiah. They spoke of who Jesus would be and what Jesus would do. They looked forward to the time of Christ and longed for his coming. Isaiah is the one to testified that he would be Immanuel, God with us ( Isaiah 7:14 ). For the first time God had come to earth and lived among men. He went on to say that he would be the Prince of Peace and his rule would never end. "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, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this" ( Isaiah 9:6-7 ). The Prince of Peace came unto the world to announce that we are at harmony with God, the world would never be the same.
This event was like dawn appearing conquering the darkness forever. Isaiah told us, "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned" ( Isaiah 9:2 ). Just when all seemed darkest, Jesus appeared, born in humble circumstances to be the Savior of the World. I often think about that tiny baby laying in a manager. The King of kings and Lord of Lords, born in the most humble way. How great his love for us must have been. He left his throne in heaven surrounded by angels and came to earth to a people who didn't recognize him, let alone welcome him.
The world needed Jesus, the world was hopeless without him. He knew the pain and grief he would suffer at the hands of men, but he choose to come anyway because our hope rested in him. As you celebrate this season of giving, remember to thank God for Jesus. He is the reason for the season. Tell your child about him and his precious gift of love. Put yourselves in remembrance of what he did for you. Celebrate the fullness of this season knowing that God loves you and knowing that love extends to everyone. Joy to the World, the Lord is Come!