The biblical significance of Christmas lies in the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who came to save humanity from sin (Luke 2:10-11). It signifies the fulfillment of ancient prophecies regarding the Messiah and represents God’s love and redemption for mankind (Isaiah 9:6).
Scripture
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.
19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly.
20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.
22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:
23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).
24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife,
25 but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.
Biblical Significance of Christmas
The biblical significance of Christmas transcends the mere celebration of Jesus’ birth; it encapsulates the profound theme of God’s promise and fulfillment throughout scripture. The event of the Nativity fulfills the prophetic messages delivered by the Old Testament prophets, notably in Isaiah 9:6, where the Messiah is referred to as “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” This indicates not only the divine nature of Jesus but also the transformative impact His coming is meant to have on the world — a restoration of peace and hope in a fallen creation.
Further, the announcement of His birth by the angels in Luke 2:10-11 emphasizes that Jesus is a source of “great joy for all the people,” highlighting the universal nature of the Gospel. His incarnation signifies the initiation of God’s redemptive plan, as expressed in John 3:16, where it states, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son.” This sacrificial love and grace set the stage for Jesus’ ultimate purpose: to atone for the sins of humanity through His death and resurrection. Consequently, Christmas serves not only as a reminder of Christ’s entrance into the world but also as an invitation to reflect on the depth of God’s love, the hope of salvation, and the promise of eternal life that is available to all who believe.
The biblical significance of Christmas is also deeply connected to the themes of humility and servanthood. The manner of Jesus’ birth, in a stable and laid in a manger, underscores the humility of the King of Kings who chose to enter the world in the most unassuming way. This stark contrast highlights the divine paradox that greatness is often found in humility. Philippians 2:7 speaks to this by stating that Christ “emptied himself, taking the form of a servant.” By embracing such a lowly beginning, Jesus not only identifies with the marginalized and the poor but also sets a precedent for His followers to embody a spirit of service and compassion towards others.
Additionally, the narrative of Jesus’ birth involves a diverse cast of characters, including shepherds, wise men, and Mary and Joseph, which illustrates the inclusive nature of God’s salvation plan. The shepherds, often considered the least in society, were the first to receive the good news, symbolizing that God’s grace is available to all regardless of social status. The Magi, who traveled from afar, represent the acknowledgment of Christ’s kingship from different nations, signifying that Jesus’ mission transcends cultural and geographical boundaries. This diversity celebrates the coming together of all people under the lordship of Christ, inviting everyone to partake in the joy of the Gospel. As Christmas approaches, these themes serve as a reminder of the God who reaches out across divides, fostering unity and love through the gift of His Son.
The Incarnation of God
The celebration of Christmas marks the profound mystery of the Incarnation, where God took on human flesh in the person of Jesus Christ. This event signifies God’s desire to be intimately involved in the human experience, bridging the gap between the divine and humanity. The birth of Jesus represents not only the fulfillment of prophetic promises but also the embodiment of God’s love and grace, demonstrating that He is accessible and relatable to all people.
The Fulfillment of Prophecy
Christmas also highlights the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the coming Messiah. The anticipation of a Savior who would redeem humanity is a central theme throughout the scriptures. The birth of Jesus is seen as the culmination of God’s redemptive plan, showcasing His faithfulness to His promises. This fulfillment reassures believers of God’s sovereignty and His commitment to restoring creation through Christ.
The Call to Hope and Salvation
The Christmas narrative serves as a powerful reminder of hope and salvation for all. The arrival of Jesus brings the message of peace, joy, and reconciliation, inviting individuals to embrace the transformative power of His love. This season encourages believers to reflect on their own spiritual journeys and to share the good news of salvation with others, emphasizing the universal nature of Christ’s message and the importance of community in faith.
How to Embrace Faith for a Better Christian Life
Embracing faith is a transformative journey that can profoundly enhance your Christian life, and it begins with a sincere heart and an open mind. Start by immersing yourself in Scripture, allowing the Word of God to guide your thoughts and actions; consider setting aside time each day for prayer and reflection, inviting the Holy Spirit to illuminate your understanding. Surround yourself with a community of believers who can encourage and challenge you, as fellowship is vital in nurturing your faith. Remember, faith is not just a feeling but a commitment to trust in God’s promises, even when life gets tough. Embrace the small moments of grace in your daily life, and don’t shy away from sharing your struggles and victories with others. As you cultivate a deeper relationship with Christ, you’ll find that your faith becomes a source of strength, hope, and joy, leading you to live out your calling as a better Christian.
Bible References to the Significance of Christmas:
Matthew 2:1-12: Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem,
2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him;
4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.
5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:
6 “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.’”
7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared.
8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.”
9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was.
10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.
11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.
12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.
Luke 1:26-38: 26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth,
27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary.
28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!”
29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be.
30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.
31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.
32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David,
33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”
34 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”
35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God.
36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren.
37 For nothing will be impossible with God.
38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
Luke 2:1-20: 2 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.
2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria.
3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David,
5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.
6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth.
7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear.
10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”
16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.
17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child.
18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.
19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.
20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
John 1:1-14: 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 He was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.
4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men.
5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
7 He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him.
8 He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.
9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.
10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him.
11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him.
12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,
13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Isaiah 7:14-16: 14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
15 He shall eat curds and honey when he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good.
16 For before the boy knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land whose two kings you dread will be deserted.
Isaiah 9:6-7: 6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
Micah 5:2-5: 2 But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.
3 Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has given birth; then the rest of his brothers shall return to the people of Israel.
4 And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord,
in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.
And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great
to the ends of the earth.
5 And he shall be their peace.
Galatians 4:4-5: 4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law,
5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.
Philippians 2:5-11: 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,
6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,
7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.
8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name,
10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Hebrews 2:14-18: 14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil,
15 and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.
16 For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham.
17 Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.
18 For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.