The Real Meaning of Christmas—And Why It Matters to You

Over 2,000 years ago in the town of Bethlehem, the most extraordinary event in human history unfolded in the most ordinary place—a humble manger. Bible prophecy was fulfilled, and the long-awaited Messiah arrived. The real meaning of Christmas is about the birth of Christ, which was for the death of Christ, which was for the resurrection of Christ.

And because He rose from the dead, everyone who believes in Him will never die spiritually—we have eternal life! That is the “good tidings of great joy” the Bible speaks of in Luke 2:10.

Christmas Is Really About God Sending a Savior

In Luke 2:11, we read, “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (NKJV). The real message of Christmas is about God sending a Savior.

For many people, December is a time of loneliness, stress, or painful memories instead of joy. But here’s the thing: While the tree, the gifts, and the parties can all be wonderful, that’s not why Jesus came. He came to save us from the power and penalty of sin. The true message of Christmas reminds us that there is hope and a future.

God Meets Us Where We Are

We get two beautiful pictures of the first Christmas in Luke 2 and Matthew 2. One is filled with lowly shepherds and angels; the other with wise men and a star.

To the shepherds, He sent an angel, who was then “joined by a vast host of others,” while they were in the fields. To the wise men, He sent a star that moved and directed them straight to Jesus.

He spoke to each in a language they could understand. Within the Christmas story is a reminder that God will always reach us where we are.

These two groups of people could not have been more different. The shepherds were at the bottom of the social ladder in the culture, while the wise men were very powerful, educated, and influential people. And yet God still spoke to both.

Jesus Came for All People

The greatest news in history was first told to ordinary, working-class people—just like most of us. The angel said to the shepherds: “‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord’” (Luke 2:10–11 NKJV).

The apostle Paul later wrote:

“God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence” (1 Corinthians 1:27–29 NKJV).

God deliberately chose people the culture overlooked. We see that throughout Jesus’ ministry, where He reached out to tax collectors, adulterers, and the list goes on.

Jesus didn’t only come for the elite, the famous, or the powerful. He came for you. He came for me. The message of Christmas is one for all people. It’s like the apostle Paul said: Jesus loved me and gave Himself for me (see Galatians 2:20). And because Jesus came, there is a future and a hope for every one of us who follows Him.

Because of Jesus, we can have a second chance; we can be born again. We can be completely forgiven and spared the judgment we deserve.

We Should Share the Real Christmas Message

In a culture drowning in emptiness, hurry, and hopelessness, people desperately need to hear the gospel message.

The Christmas season hands you the perfect open door to share it. Hearts are more open at this time of year, and more people attend church during this holiday—especially on Christmas Eve—than any other typical day.

Why not try this simple conversation starter: “Hey, how’s your Christmas going?” Many people are stressed and trying to manage it all right now: presents, parties, family. . . This is a moment to remind people of the real message of Christmas: Jesus came to earth to save us from sin because God loves us.

The Bible says in 2 Peter 3:9 that the Lord is “not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (NKJV). And in Revelation 22:17, “‘Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely’” (NKJV).

This Christmas, be the voice that tells one more person the Savior has come; and the invitation is still open.

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Learn more about Pastor Greg Laurie

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