It's a wonderful time of year: presents and parties, candles and decorations, busy malls and Christmas bonuses. Do you ever wonder why? Why all the festivities? Why all the gifts? What's the reason for the season?
The answer is found in the Bible. Christmas is celebrated because Jesus, the Son of God, entered our world to save us.
Because all have rebelled against God, which is sin that leads to eternal condemnation for those who reject the way of escape God provided. "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23).
Because even the holiest person cannot meet God's requirements to be able to pay the penalty of sin. So God "made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him" (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Because since humans had sinned, a human had to bear the punishment. "In all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people" (Hebrews 2:17).
Because sin is so terrible that God decreed its punishment was death for "without shedding of blood there is no remission" (Hebrews 9:22). "Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God" (1 Peter 3:18).
No, "He rose again the third day" (1 Corinthians 15:4). After being seen by many, He "has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God" (1 Peter 3:22). Jesus will return to judge all people, "for the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works" (Matthew 16:27).
Because God loves us and doesn't want anyone to be lost. "The Lord is... not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9).
Because there is no other way to become a child of God and have eternal life than by a true faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6).
| A special thanks to The Tract League, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49544-1390 who originally provided this article in tract form. |