Christmas is one of the most beloved seasons of the year, filled with traditions, celebrations, and moments of joy. But beyond the twinkling lights, the presents under the tree, and the familiar carols lies a truth so profound that it has changed the course of history. Christmas is not just a season – it is a divine proclamation. It marks the moment when God, in His infinite love, reached down into the darkness of our world and gave us the greatest gift: His Son, Jesus Christ. The importance of Christmas is not found in its festivities but in its message. It is a message of hope, love, redemption, and peace. In this sermon, we will explore why Christmas matters and how it calls us to respond. Let us anchor ourselves in the Word of God, starting with this familiar passage:
Luke 2:10-11 “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.'”
This announcement encapsulates the heart of Christmas: a Saviour has been born, bringing great joy to all people. Let us unpack this glorious truth together.
The Promise Fulfilled: God’s Faithfulness
To understand the importance of Christmas, we must first recognize it as the fulfillment of a long-awaited promise. From the very beginning of Scripture, God promised to redeem humanity. After Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, this is what God declared:
Genesis 3:15 “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”
This prophecy pointed to a future Saviour who would defeat sin and Satan. Throughout the Old Testament, this promise was reaffirmed through the covenants made with Abraham, Moses, and David. Isaiah, the prophet, foretold the coming of the Messiah with vivid imagery:
Isaiah 9:6 “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 Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
For centuries, God’s people waited. Generations lived and died without seeing the promise fulfilled. Imagine the anticipation, the longing, and perhaps even the doubt that must have crept into the hearts of many. Yet, at just the right time, God acted.
Galatians 4:4-5 “But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.”
The arrival of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem was not a random event. It was a meticulously planned moment in the grand narrative of redemption. Christmas is proof of God’s faithfulness. It reminds us that God always keeps His promises, even when the wait seems long. His timing is perfect, and His plans never fail. Are you waiting on a promise from God? Perhaps you are waiting for healing, provision, or restoration. Christmas is a reminder to trust in His faithfulness. If God fulfilled His promise to send the Saviour, He will surely fulfill His promises to you. Hold on to His Word, for He is faithful.
The Incarnation: God’s Love Revealed
At the heart of Christmas is the miracle of the Incarnation – God becoming flesh.
John 1:14 “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
This is one of the most astonishing truths of the Christian faith: the Creator of the universe humbled Himself to become a baby, born in a manger. Let us pause for a moment to grasp the magnitude of this event. The infinite God entered our finite world. The One who holds the stars in place became vulnerable, dependent, and fully human. Why would God do such a thing? The answer is simple yet profound: love.
John 3:16 “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.”
God’s love compelled Him to act. Humanity was lost in sin, unable to save itself. Our sin created a chasm between us and God, but through the birth of Jesus, God bridged that gap. The Apostle Paul beautifully described this humility:
Philippians 2:6-8 “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death – even death on a cross!”
Christmas is a reminder of how far God was willing to go to demonstrate His love. Jesus left the glory of heaven to walk among us, to teach us, and ultimately to die for us. His birth was the beginning of a journey that would lead to the cross, where He would bear the weight of our sins. As we celebrate Christmas this week, let us reflect again on the depth of God’s love. Have you embraced this love in your life? How are you responding to it? This love is not meant to be kept to ourselves; it is a gift to be shared. Who in your life needs to hear about the love of God this Christmas?
The Saviour: God’s Gift of Salvation
The angel’s announcement to the shepherds declares the essence of Christmas:
Luke 2:11 “Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”
Jesus did not come into the world to be a mere teacher, moral example, or miracle worker. He came to be our Saviour. The name “Jesus” itself carries this meaning.
Matthew 1:21 “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.”
Sin is humanity’s greatest problem. It separates us from experiencing God, it enslaves us and leads to spiritual death. Without a Saviour, we are hopeless. But through Jesus, we have been offered a solution. The Apostle Paul clearly contrasted the consequences of sin with the gift of God:
Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Christmas reminds us that salvation is a gift. It cannot be earned through good works, religious rituals, or moral behaviour.
Ephesians 2:8-9 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Jesus’ birth set the stage for His ultimate mission: the cross. On that first Christmas, the manger pointed to Calvary. The baby wrapped in swaddling clothes would one day be wrapped in grave clothes. Yet, His death would not be the end; it would be the beginning of eternal life for all who believe. This is the good news of Christmas: God has made a way for us to be reconciled to Him. Through Jesus, we are forgiven, redeemed, and adopted as His children. Have you received the gift of salvation? Christmas is the perfect time to surrender your life to Jesus. If you have already accepted Him as your Saviour, how are you sharing this gift with others? Who in your life needs to hear the gospel message this season?
The Joy of Christmas: God’s Peace on Earth
The angelic proclamation to the shepherds also included a message of peace:
Luke 2:14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.”
Jesus came to bring peace – peace with God, peace within ourselves, and peace with others. This peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of wholeness and restoration.
Romans 5:1 “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Through Jesus, the hostility caused by sin is removed, and we are reconciled to God. But the peace of Christ also transforms our hearts.
Philippians 4:7 “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
In a world filled with turmoil and strife, Christmas reminds us that true peace is found in Christ. He is the Prince of Peace, and His kingdom is one of righteousness, justice, and love. Yet, this peace is not automatic. It requires us to trust in Jesus, to surrender our anxieties and burdens to Him. As we embrace His peace, we are also called to be peacemakers in a divided world.
Matthew 5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
Are you experiencing the peace of Christ this Christmas? If not, what is hindering you from receiving it? Lay your burdens at His feet and invite Him to fill your heart with His peace. And as recipients of His peace, let us be agents of reconciliation, sharing His love and healing in a broken world.
The Call of Christmas: God’s Mission for Us
Christmas is not only a celebration of what God has done but also a call to action. Just as the shepherds responded to the angel’s message by seeking Jesus and sharing the good news, we too are called to proclaim the gospel.
Matthew 5:14-16 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
The shepherds, upon hearing the angel’s message, did not stay where they were.
Luke 2:15-17 “When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child.”
Their actions reveal two key responses to Christmas: worship and witness. The shepherds sought Jesus with urgency, and when they found Him, they shared the good news with others. Christmas calls us to do the same. This season is a reminder that we are part of God’s mission. Jesus, the Light of the World, now calls us to shine His light in the darkness. The message of Christmas is not meant to be kept to ourselves. It is good news for all people, and we are entrusted with the responsibility of sharing it. How will you share the light of Christ this Christmas? Consider practical ways to serve your community, support missions, or reach out to someone in need. Whether through a kind word, a thoughtful gift, or an act of service, let your actions point others to the Saviour.
The Hope of Christmas: God’s Unshakable Kingdom
Finally, Christmas reminds us of the hope we have in Christ. The birth of Jesus is not just a historical event; it is the inauguration of God’s kingdom – a kingdom that will one day be fully realized.
Isaiah 9:7 “Of the greatness 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.”
The birth of Jesus assures us that God’s plan for the world is unfolding. Despite the brokenness we see around us, Christmas points us to the ultimate victory of God’s kingdom.
Revelation 21:3-4 “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.'”
Christmas is a reminder that our hope is not in the temporary things of this world but in the eternal promises of God. The same Jesus who came as a baby in Bethlehem will one day return as King. Until that day, we live with hope, knowing that the best is yet to come. Are you living with the hope of Christmas? How does this hope shape your perspective on the challenges you face? Let the certainty of God’s kingdom give you strength and courage to persevere and share this hope with those who are weary or discouraged.
Conclusion
The importance of Christmas cannot be overstated. It is the celebration of God’s faithfulness, love, salvation, peace, mission, and hope. It is a call to respond with faith, gratitude, and action. As we gather with loved ones, exchange gifts, and sing familiar carols, let us keep our hearts fixed on the true meaning of Christmas. Let us echo the words of the apostle Paul:
2 Corinthians 9:15 “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!”
This Christmas, may we be filled with awe and wonder at the miracle of the Incarnation. May we worship the Saviour Who came to rescue us, share His love with those around us, and live with the hope of His coming kingdom. At this special time, may our hearts be filled with gratitude and surrender, recognizing that Christmas is not just a moment in history – it is the ongoing story of God’s redemption. As we close, I encourage you to reflect on these questions:
How will you make room for Jesus in your life this Christmas?
Who can you share the message of Christmas with this week?
What step can you take to reflect God’s love, peace, and hope in a tangible way?
May this season draw us closer to the Saviour, fill us with His joy and peace, and inspire us to shine His light in the world. Amen.