THE PURPOSE OF CHRISTMAS

Title: THE PURPOSE OF CHRISTMAS: RECONCILIATION WITH GOD

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
Supporting Texts: Romans 5:10, Ephesians 2:14-16

INTRODUCTION:
Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, but its significance goes far beyond the festivities. The true purpose of Christmas is reconciliation with God. When Adam and Eve sinned, humanity was separated from God, but through the birth of Jesus, God made a way for us to be restored to Him. Jesus came into the world to bring peace, to heal the broken relationship between mankind and the Father, and to restore us to our rightful place as His children. Let us examine the purpose of Christmas and how it brings us back into fellowship with God.

1. A DIVINE PLAN FOR RECONCILIATION

a) God's Desire for Peace
The fall of man created a barrier between God and humanity. Yet, God’s desire has always been to restore peace with His creation (Romans 5:10). Jesus was born to bridge that gap.

b) God Initiates Reconciliation
Reconciliation is not something humanity can achieve on its own; it was initiated by God through the birth of His Son (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). Jesus came to bring us back to God.

c) The Role of Christ in Reconciliation
Through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, He became the way through which reconciliation is made possible. He is the mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5).

d) A Gift of Grace
Reconciliation with God is a gift, not earned by works but given freely by God through Christ’s sacrifice (Ephesians 2:8-9).

e) Biblical Example: The prodigal son’s return to the father (Luke 15:11-24) beautifully illustrates the heart of reconciliation. Despite the son’s waywardness, the father welcomed him back with open arms, symbolizing God’s readiness to restore us.

2. CHRIST BRINGS PEACE TO THE WORLD

a) Peace with God
Through Christ, we are no longer enemies of God, but we are brought near by His blood. Jesus is the Prince of Peace who ends the hostility between humanity and God (Ephesians 2:14-16).

b) Peace in Our Hearts
The peace that Christ brings is not only reconciliation with God but also peace in our hearts. This peace transcends all understanding and guards our hearts (Philippians 4:7).

c) Peace for All People
The angelic announcement to the shepherds declared peace on earth (Luke 2:14). Jesus came to bring peace not only to individuals but to the world, offering peace to those who receive Him.

d) Healing from Sin’s Division
Sin divides us from God and from one another. Christ’s coming to earth brings healing, both vertically (between God and man) and horizontally (between people) (Romans 5:10).

e) Biblical Example: The peace that Jesus spoke over the storm (Mark 4:39) demonstrates the authority He has to bring peace into the most chaotic situations, including the chaos in our relationship with God.

3. CHRIST'S RECONCILIATION RESTORES OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD

a) Restoring Access to God
Before Christ, humanity had limited access to God due to sin. Jesus, however, opened the way for us to come boldly before God’s throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16).

b) The Ultimate Sacrifice
Christ’s death on the cross was the ultimate sacrifice for sin, making the way for our reconciliation. Through His sacrifice, we are forgiven and cleansed (Romans 5:10).

c) The Restoration of Sonship
Jesus’ birth and later sacrifice enable us to be restored as children of God. We are adopted into God’s family through Christ (John 1:12).

d) Living in Fellowship with God
Reconciliation through Christ allows us to live in intimate fellowship with God. We are no longer strangers, but we are called His friends and His children (John 15:15).

e) Biblical Example: The reconciliation between Joseph and his brothers (Genesis 45:1-15) shows how forgiveness and restoration can heal broken relationships. Just as Joseph forgave his brothers, God forgives and restores us through Christ.

CONCLUSION:
The true purpose of Christmas is reconciliation. Through the birth of Jesus, God’s plan of restoring His relationship with humanity was fulfilled. Jesus came to bring us peace, heal our broken relationship with God, and offer us the gift of salvation. As we celebrate this Christmas, let us remember the divine purpose of Christ’s birth—He came to reconcile us to God, to restore our relationship with our Heavenly Father, and to bring us into fellowship with Him. May this message of reconciliation lead us to embrace the peace and grace that God offers through Jesus Christ.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, thank You for sending Jesus to reconcile us to You.

2. I receive the peace that Christ offers in my heart and life today.

3. Father, help me to live in the fullness of the reconciliation Christ has provided.

4. I pray for those who are far from God, that they may experience reconciliation through Jesus.

5. Lord, forgive me for any ways I have strayed from You, and bring me back into fellowship with You.

6. I declare that I am a friend of God through the sacrifice of Christ.

7. Father, help me to extend the peace of Christ to those around me.

8. I pray for healing and restoration in broken relationships, through the reconciliation of Christ.

9. Lord, I thank You for the gift of grace that brings me into right standing with You.

10. Father, help me to share the message of reconciliation with others this Christmas season.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS
1. I declare that the peace of God will reign in your life, bringing reconciliation with God.

2. I declare that this Christmas, you will experience the fullness of peace with God through Christ.

3. I declare that all barriers between you and God are broken by the power of Christ’s reconciliation.

4. I declare that you are restored to fellowship with God through the birth of Jesus.

5. I declare that the grace of God will heal and restore every broken relationship in your life.

6. I declare that you will walk in the freedom and peace that comes from being reconciled with God.

7. I declare that you will be a messenger of God’s peace and reconciliation to others.

8. I declare that you will live in the fullness of God’s love and grace through Christ.

9. I declare that the power of Christmas will bring healing and restoration to your soul.

10. I declare that this Christmas, you will experience the joy of being reconciled to your Heavenly Father.