Why We Celebrate the Birth of Jesus at Christmas
Pastors Rodney & Adonica Howard-BrownePublish date: 12/08/2024
Foundation Scriptures:
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. 3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. 5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, 6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. 7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. 9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. 11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way. Matthew 2:1-12 KJV
1. Christmas in December.
a. Most scholars and historians agree that Jesus was likely not born in December.
b. He was likely born in the springtime, since the shepherds were out watching their flocks by night (Luke 2:8).
c. The precise date of His birth is less important than the significance of His coming into the world.
d. Among other reasons, December 25th was chosen as a time to commemorate His birth because it stands as a beacon of hope in the darkness of winter.
e. It is a reminder that Jesus is the “Light of the World” (John 8:12).
f. As Christians, we do not celebrate the date itself but the glorious event of God sending His only begotten Son to redeem the world (John 3:16).
2. The Wise Men.
a. The wise men, or Magi, who came from the east, traveled a long distance following the star to worship Jesus and present Him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
b. These gifts symbolized Jesus’ Kingship, divinity, and sacrifice.
c. The tradition of giving gifts at Christmas reflects the ultimate gift God gave to humanity: His Son.
d. Romans 6:23 KJV –– For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
3. The Christmas Tree.
a. For Christians, the tree is a symbol of life and sacrifice.
b. The evergreen tree, which remains vibrant even in the dead of winter, is a reminder of the eternal life offered through Jesus.
c. Galatians 3:13 KJV –– Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree.
d. Jesus bore our sins on the tree of the cross (1 Peter 2:24).
e. When we see the Christmas tree, adorned with lights, we are reminded that Jesus is the Light that overcame the darkness.
4. The Lights.
a. The lights on our homes and trees symbolize Jesus, the Light of the world, and His triumph over sin and death.
b. Jesus is the Light that shines in darkness, and the True Light, Who lights up (illuminates; enlightens) every man coming into the world (John 1:5; 9).
c. John 8:12 NKJV –– Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.
d. Just as the shepherds saw the glory of the Lord shining around them (Luke 2:9), we celebrate with lights to remember the radiance of His coming.
5. Love One Another.
a. Jesus commanded us to love one another as He has loved us (John 13:34).
b. Christmas is an opportunity to reflect on His love and share it with others.
c. It is not about materialism or self-indulgence but about remembering Jesus’ selfless gift and sharing His love, and His gift of salvation, with our neighbors.
6. Celebrating Christmas.
a. For the believer, we celebrate Christmas every day, because we celebrate Jesus every day—that He was born and that He died to redeem us.
b. But it is good to take a moment, as we gather, to lift Him up and celebrate and honor Him.
c. We celebrate Christmas because:
- Jesus is the greatest gift we could ever receive.
- The tree reminds us of His sacrifice.
- The lights point to Him as the Light of the world.
- The Wise Men’s gifts inspire our giving.
- Love—God’s love for us and our love for one another—is the heart of Christmas.
d. So, we choose to celebrate Christmas, not with vain traditions, but with hearts full of worship and gratitude for Jesus Christ.
e. Let the gifts we give, the lights we display, and the love we share point others to the reason for the season: the birth of the Savior, Jesus Christ.