Today, the world wraps itself in the joyful mood of the Christmas season—a time of dazzling lights, exchanged gifts, family laughter, and shared feasts. Yet, amidst the global celebration, a fundamental question often remains unanswered: What is the core purpose of this festival, and who is the person at its heart?

The History of the Day

Have you ever paused to consider why we celebrate Christmas on December 25th? This date, first recorded in Rome in 336 AD, was formally adopted by the Church, possibly aligning with pre-existing pagan festivals honoring the winter solstice (like Sol Invictus, the “birthday of the unconquered sun”).

Christians chose to redeem this date, dedicating it not to the Roman sun god, but to the birth of the Son of God, Jesus Christ, the true Light of the World. While the exact date of His birth remains unknown and is not commanded in Scripture, the celebration is an act of historical observance.

The Higher Call: Communion vs. Christmas

While Christmas is a worldwide festival, Holy Communion—the breaking of bread and drinking of wine—is a commandment from God. We are instructed to do this often, remembering the great redemptive work Jesus completed on the cross, that He died for our sins and resurrected on the third day.

The word “Christmas” is not found or written in the Bible. The term “Christmas” evolved from “Christ’s Mass,” a liturgical tradition. While the word itself and the December 25th date are not scriptural commands, the events we celebrate—the Incarnation, the birth of Jesus, and God giving His Son as the ultimate gift—are central to Christian faith and are profoundly documented throughout the Gospels (e.g., Matthew 1-2, Luke 1-2).

We celebrate Christmas because the world celebrates it, and the time feels right. But our celebration must be rooted in understanding. We must avoid being like the Pagans or the Samaritans Jesus spoke of: “You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews.” (John 4:22).

The Purpose: Celebrating the Perfect Gift

Thanks and glory be to God, we know why and whom we celebrate!

Jesus Christ is the reason for the season.

Before the world ever celebrated Christmas or exchanged gifts, God the Father gave humanity the most precious gift of all: Himself.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

Jesus, born of Mary in the holy city of Bethlehem, Israel, is the Son of the living God (Matthew 16:15-16), He came into the world, wrapped in swaddling cloths and laid in a manger (Luke 2:7). He is the ultimate, perfect gift.

The Call to Intimacy

The world cheers for Christmas without knowing, loving, or even believing in the Person they celebrate.

As Christians, our celebration should lead to a deeper place. To truly celebrate Christ, you must know the Person you are celebrating. Knowing Him builds a strong intimacy through daily fellowship and personal encounter.

We are called to love the Lord first and to worship Him alone, wholeheartedly—not just once a year, but every single day of the year and forevermore.

The Invitation to Salvation: Believe and Accept Jesus as Lord

As you reflect on the deep truths of faith, ask yourself: Do you truly believe in Jesus, and do you know Him personally? If your answer is “no” or “I’m not sure,” today is the perfect opportunity for a fresh start. Take the time to begin building a personal, intimate relationship with Him. This is how you move beyond knowing about Jesus to experiencing Him as a true friend and Savior in your daily life. Getting closer to Christ isn’t complicated; it begins simply with willingness and trust. When you take that first step of faith toward Him, He promises to draw near to you (James 4:8). To fully worship and celebrate Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, and to be united with Him—identified as a child of God forever—you must make a choice: to believe and accept Jesus as Lord. If you have never made this commitment, we encourage you today to receive the ultimate gift of salvation in Christ Jesus. Through a simple prayer of faith, you can invite Him into your life and begin the greatest relationship you will ever know! (Romans 10:9-10, Romans 10:9-10)

May this season bring you and your loved ones joy, peace, happiness, and laughter, as you consciously acknowledge and believe in Jesus Christ—the Joy and the Savior of the world.

“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11)

Prayer: 

Abba Father, we thank You for the perfect gift—Your only begotten Son, the Lamb of God, sacrificed for our sins. May we cherish and treasure this gift all our days, constantly honoring the holy name of Jesus Christ, the King and the Light of the world! Father, reveal Your Kingdom to us. Help us to acknowledge and believe in Your Son, Lord Jesus, as our Savior, so that we truly know Who we worship, serve, and celebrate every day and this Christmas season. We stand firm in the truth that Jesus Christ was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born through the Virgin Mary, and we bear witness to this truth, as whoever believes in the Son of God will be saved, for it is by grace we have been saved, through faith. Lord of lords, bless every family in the world! Extend Your mighty hand of provision this season so that no one lacks food, drink, shelter, or clothes. Let the greatest joy, the joy Jesus Christ brought, fill our hearts, homes, and cities! Help us to believe in You and to love You with all our hearts, souls, and minds. May we, in every season, always have reason to worship and praise You now and evermore. In Jesus Christ’s mighty name. Amen!

Bible Verse: 

“You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews.” John 4:22 ‭

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16:15-16

“And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a [a]manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:7

“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11

“If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” Romans 10:9-10

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