The True Meaning of Christmas
1 Timothy 1:15 - This is a true saying, and everyone should believe it; Christ Jesus came into the World to save Sinners and I was the worst of them all.
Vocabulary
Christmas – Christos Mass (Greek), The holiday on December 25th celebrating the birth of Jesus the Christ; God’s Son; the anointed of God; The Messiah.
After witnessing Black Friday, Cyber Monday, the sales extension of days and the early Holiday television programs (NBC even moved a pro football game for a Christmas program on a Wednesday afternoon!). One would think that Christmas time was about Festivities; shopping, gift giving, pageants, shows, and decorations. The Apostle Paul knows better. He says that Christmas is about the three P’s–A Person, A Passage, and a Purpose. He indicates this message in our scriptural verse – 1st Timothy 1:15. Let us reason this verse out now.
I. About A Person – Saint Luke 2:1-20
God controls all things including History by the decree of Emperor Augustus Caesar, Jesus was born in Bethlehem. (Micah 5:2). Both Mary and Joseph were from David. So Jesus was of his Royal lineage. (Isaiah 11:1). Jesus was born in a manger. But He did not remain a baby. Immanuel-God with us came to earth with a Calling, an Identity, and Mission to fulfill from His Father.
II. About A Passage – 1st John 4:2 (Coming in the Flesh) Jesus’ passage indicates His Incarnation or His becoming Flesh or Human. Matthew 1:17 explains how Jesus came down through forty-two generations of Saints to arrive at the proper time. By becoming Flesh or Human; Jesus became our perfect (1) Teacher – to Teach, Instruct, and Preach the Word of God. He also because our perfect (2) Example – Demonstrating what attitudes, behaviors, conducts, and Decorum we should exhibit at all times. And, lastly, (3) Our Perfect Sacrifice – He was the only one without sin. He is our propitiation. He satisfied God’s judgment on sin for us. (Colossians 1:15-23). Thank You Jesus!
III. About A Purpose – Luke 19:10
Jesus declared that He came to save and seek the lost. People are not saved by good intentions or doing good things. All need a Savior and a Deliverer from sin. Jesus’ purpose was to use Faith and Forgiveness to save the lost and to renew their relationships with their Father God. Amen!
Conclusion
The Apostle Paul allows all of us to know the "True meaning of Christmas". And as he usually does, He keeps it 100% real. He calls himself the worst of sinners. By doing that, he lets us know that he appreciates God’s Love, Forgiveness, and Mercy. Humility, Gratitude and Thankfulness should mark the lives of every Believer during this Holiday Season. The greatest gift that we can receive into our lives is Christ Jesus and His Saving Grace. Praise the Lord!