“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” 1 Timothy 1:15 NKJV
Christmas, is an entire season of light and joy that stands out from the other holidays in a unique way. This is because “the spirit of Christmas” is the reality that “it is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35 NKJV). Many embrace this sentiment through benevolent acts of generosity on behalf of the poor and underprivileged as did the historical figure behind the mythical legend of Santa Claus. Families gather for feasting and the exchange of gifts as an expression of appreciation for precious relationships. For believers in Christ, this season is a celebration of the greatest gift ever given to mankind, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Christ Came to Die
The Almighty God of the Bible is the Holy Creator of the universe & Righteous King of history. He created people to honor & worship Him through a relationship with Himself. Everyone is a guilty sinner who has rebelled against God’s righteous rule & is in bondage to sin & death. We therefore deserve His undiluted wrath & judgment to explode upon us in full measure. Sinners justly deserve banishment from the presence of God in the darkness & horror of eternal hell. “And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:15 NKJV). Out of immense love, God Himself came into this sin-cursed world of darkness to rescue sinners from sin, death, & the Devil.
Jesus Christ, the God-Man, is the ultimate sacrifice & paid the supreme price by shedding His royal blood at the cross of Calvary to free sinners from the shackles of sin & death. “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8 NKJV).
Christ Lives Today
Christ rose from the dead & is alive right now! He destroyed death & today He offers everyone total forgiveness of sins & eternal spiritual life. This free gift is received by anyone who repents of their sins & trusts in Christ as Lord & Savior. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8,9 NKJV).
Will You Receive the Gift?
When a loved one gives you a brightly wrapped package decked out with ribbon and bows, you gladly receive it with a smile and “Thank You!” In similar fashion, we cannot lay claim to God’s gift of eternal spiritual life until we receive it by saying “Thank You!” We must place our faith & trust in Jesus Christ by believing in our hearts that He is the God-Man who died for our sins, was buried, & rose again. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31 NKJV).
Is there anything keeping you from receiving this greatest gift by trusting Christ as your Savior right now? If not, please thank God from the bottom of your heart and enjoy the best Christmas ever!
P.S. Here’s a printable version of “The Reason for the Season” formatted as a gospel tract to spread “Christmas spirit” far and wide during the holiday season.
