THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS

Title: THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Matthew 1:21
Supporting Texts: Luke 2:10-11, John 3:16

INTRODUCTION:
Christmas is a time of celebration, joy, and festivity, but amidst all the excitement, it’s important to remember the true meaning of this season. It is not about the presents, the decorations, or even the meals, but about the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. This message highlights the true essence of Christmas, pointing us back to the miraculous event that changed the world forever—God becoming man to save humanity.

1. CHRISTMAS IS THE CELEBRATION OF GOD’S GIFT TO THE WORLD

a) The Birth of the Saviour:
Christmas marks the moment when God sent His Son, Jesus, into the world to save us from sin (Matthew 1:21).

b) A Gift of Love:
Jesus’ birth is the ultimate expression of God’s love for humanity, a love that came in the form of a child (John 3:16).

c) God’s Plan of Salvation:
The birth of Jesus was part of God’s divine plan to reconcile humanity to Himself (Ephesians 1:9-10).

d) A Gift of Grace:
Christ’s birth is a reminder of God’s unmerited favour towards us, offering forgiveness and eternal life through Him (Romans 6:23).

e) Biblical Example:
The wise men came bearing gifts to honour Jesus, acknowledging Him as the greatest gift the world has ever received (Matthew 2:11).

2. CHRISTMAS IS ABOUT GOD WITH US

a) The Incarnation of Christ:
Christmas celebrates the incredible truth that God became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14).

b) Immanuel—God With Us:
Jesus is Immanuel, meaning “God with us,” a constant reminder that God is present in our lives (Matthew 1:23).

c) God’s Presence Among Us:
The birth of Jesus symbolised the beginning of God’s presence in the world in a personal and tangible way (Luke 2:10-11).

d) A Life of Compassion and Mercy:
Through Jesus, God demonstrated His love, compassion, and mercy towards humanity, touching the lives of those He encountered (Luke 4:18-19).

e) Biblical Example:
The shepherds were the first to hear the good news and experience the presence of Jesus in the flesh, an invitation to all to encounter God (Luke 2:8-20).

3. CHRISTMAS IS A TIME TO REJOICE IN THE GOOD NEWS OF GREAT JOY

a) The Angel’s Message:
The angel proclaimed the birth of Christ as good news that would bring great joy to all people (Luke 2:10).

b) A Message of Hope:
The birth of Jesus signified the arrival of the promised Messiah, the hope of Israel, and the hope of the world (Isaiah 9:6-7).

c) Joy in Christ’s Presence:
True joy comes from knowing and experiencing the presence of Christ in our lives (Psalm 16:11).

d) A Call to Worship:
The joy of Christmas calls us to worship Jesus, acknowledging Him as our Lord and Saviour (Matthew 2:11).

e) Biblical Example:
The shepherds, upon hearing the message of Jesus’ birth, were filled with joy and went to worship Him (Luke 2:20).

4. CHRISTMAS IS A REMINDER OF GOD’S PEACE ON EARTH

a) The Prince of Peace:
Jesus came as the Prince of Peace, offering peace between God and man (Isaiah 9:6).

b) Peace in Troubling Times:
The peace that Jesus brings surpasses all understanding and remains constant, even in the midst of life’s struggles (Philippians 4:7).

c) Reconciliation with God:
Through Christ, we are reconciled with God, receiving His peace, which allows us to experience true peace in our hearts (Romans 5:1).

d) Peace to Share with Others:
The peace of Christ calls us to be agents of peace, bringing reconciliation and unity to others (Matthew 5:9).

e) Biblical Example:
The angels proclaimed peace on earth at the birth of Jesus, announcing His arrival as the bringer of peace (Luke 2:14).

5. CHRISTMAS IS A TIME TO GIVE BACK

a) The Ultimate Gift:
Jesus is the greatest gift we could ever receive, and as recipients of His love, we are called to share this gift with others (Matthew 28:19-20).

b) Generosity in the Spirit of Christmas:
Just as the wise men gave gifts to honour Jesus, we are called to give to others in love and generosity (Matthew 2:11).

c) Giving of Ourselves:
Christmas is also a time to give of ourselves in service to others, reflecting the selfless love that Jesus demonstrated (John 13:34-35).

d) A Time for Acts of Kindness:
The season invites us to show love and kindness to those in need, emulating the heart of Christ (Galatians 6:10).

e) Biblical Example:
The early church embraced a spirit of generosity, sharing what they had with one another (Acts 2:44-45).

CONCLUSION:
The true meaning of Christmas is not in the festivities or material gifts but in the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, our Saviour. Christmas reminds us of God’s great love for us, His presence among us, and His offer of peace and joy. As we celebrate this season, let us keep Christ at the centre of our hearts and homes. Let His birth inspire us to give, to love, and to share the good news of His salvation with the world.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, thank You for the gift of Jesus Christ, our Saviour.

2. Father, help me to remember the true meaning of Christmas, focusing on the birth of Christ.

3. Lord, I invite You into my heart this Christmas, making room for You as the centre of my life.

4. Father, help me to share the good news of Christmas with others.

5. Lord, fill my heart with the joy and peace that comes from knowing You.

6. Father, help me to be generous and kind to those in need during this season.

7. Lord, may the spirit of Christmas bring reconciliation and peace into my relationships.

8. Father, let the love of Christ shine through me this Christmas.

9. Lord, help me to celebrate Christmas with a heart of worship and gratitude.

10. Father, prepare me to share the love of Christ beyond this season, making a lasting impact.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. I declare that the true meaning of Christmas will be deeply rooted in your heart this season.

2. You will experience the peace and joy of Christ in a new and profound way.

3. The love of Christ will fill your heart and home this Christmas.

4. I declare that you will be an agent of peace and reconciliation this season.

5. Your generosity will reflect the heart of Christ as you give to those in need.

6. I decree that the joy of Christmas will overflow in your life.

7. You will encounter the presence of Jesus in a deeper way this Christmas.

8. I declare that you will spread the light and love of Christ wherever you go.

9. Your heart will be filled with worship and gratitude as you celebrate Jesus’ birth.

10. I decree that the true essence of Christmas will inspire you to live for Christ daily.