What is the reason for celebrating Christmas?

I. Definition and Purpose

Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus, the promised Messiah. Though the exact timing is not pinpointed in Scripture, believers set aside this season to reflect on the miracle and significance of Christ’s incarnation. The celebration acknowledges that the Son of God entered human history, fulfilling ancient prophecies, revealing divine love, and establishing the path to salvation.

II. Scriptural Foundations

From the Old Testament:

• Isaiah 7:14 states, “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel.”

• Isaiah 9:6 proclaims, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

These prophecies anticipated the coming of One who would be both fully human and fully divine.

In the New Testament:

• Matthew 1:21 affirms, “She will give birth to a Son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.”

• Luke 2:10–11 records the angel’s announcement to the shepherds: “Do not be afraid! For behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today in the City of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord!”

These passages explain why believers honor Christ’s birth: it is the dawn of humanity’s hope through salvation in the promised Redeemer.

III. Historical and Cultural Origins

Early Christian writings, such as those of church fathers (e.g., Irenaeus and Tertullian), indicate that the early church placed great importance on the Incarnation. Although the exact date of Jesus’ birth cannot be determined from Scripture alone, the tradition of gathering to honor Christ’s nativity emerged in the first few centuries of the church.

Archaeological evidence from Bethlehem and ancient manuscripts affirm that Bethlehem was a known Jewish city in Judea, fulfilling Micah 5:2’s prophecy of the Messiah being born in Bethlehem. Stone structures and storied fields around Bethlehem—commonly referenced in historical documents—support the location’s authenticity.

IV. Prophetic Anticipation and Fulfillment

1. Promise of a Messiah:

Old Testament prophecies emphasized that a savior would arise from the lineage of David (2 Samuel 7:12–13). The Gospels show detailed genealogies confirming Jesus’ Davidic descent (Matthew 1:1–17; Luke 3:23–38).

2. Virgin Birth and the Sign of Immanuel:

As cited above, Isaiah 7:14’s emphasis on the virgin conception was a central sign pointing to Jesus’ divine nature. The Greek translation in early manuscripts supports the concept of “virgin,” aligning with the works of manuscript experts who confirm the accuracy of these texts over centuries.

3. Eternal Kingship:

References in Daniel 7:13–14 describe one “like a Son of Man” whose kingdom would never cease. Christmas underscores God’s eternal plan, revealed in the person of Christ, who would establish an everlasting realm.

V. Theological Significance

1. Incarnation and God’s Love:

John 1:14 declares, “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” Christmas marks the historical moment when the Son left His divine glory to live among humanity, demonstrating divine love.

2. Hope and Salvation:

Titus 2:11 explains, “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to everyone.” The birth of Christ inaugurated the arrival of salvific grace accessible to all who believe.

3. Fulfillment of the Covenants:

God’s covenant promises to Abraham (Genesis 12:3) and David (2 Samuel 7:12–16) find their culmination in Christ. The birth of Jesus is central to the seamless continuity of Scripture, revealing God’s master plan of redemption.

VI. Reasons to Celebrate

1. Remembering the Incarnation:

Christmas points to the reality that God took on human form to redeem the world. Celebrating allows believers to dwell on the wonder of Divine becoming human.

2. Proclaiming the Gospel:

Publicly and privately commemorating Christmas opens doors for sharing the good news: that in Christ alone, eternal life is found (John 14:6).

3. Reflecting on Fulfilled Prophecy:

The holiday invites reflection on how every prophetic promise concerning the Messiah finds clarity in Christ’s birth. This confidence in fulfilled prophecy aligns with the reliability exhibited across biblical manuscripts and historical attestation.

4. Extending Generosity and Mercy:

Since Christ’s birth exemplified the ultimate gift—God giving His Son—Christmas encourages acts of charity, kindness, and compassion toward neighbors, echoing Christ’s love.

VII. Common Objections and Clarifications

1. Date Uncertainty:

While Scripture doesn’t assign a specific date to Christ’s birth, the significance is not in the exact chronology but in celebrating the historical reality that God became man (Galatians 4:4–5).

2. Cultural Traditions vs. Biblical Command:

Christmas traditions vary across cultures. Though not commanded explicitly as a feast day in Scripture, honoring Christ’s birth is a meaningful way to emphasize biblical truths about the incarnation and redemption.

3. Secular Observances:

Some worry that modern consumerism overshadows the spiritual meaning. Believers maintain a focus on the biblical narrative, ensuring that celebrations reinforce the primary message of Christ’s arrival rather than material pursuits.

VIII. Application and Reflection

1. Worship and Devotion:

Many set aside time in personal devotion and worship to meditate on Scriptures like Luke 2 and Matthew 1, deepening their understanding of Christ’s birth and purpose.

2. Community and Family Gatherings:

Congregations worldwide use the season to share the gospel. Families incorporate readings of the Christmas narrative, prayer, and praise to draw closer to God.

3. Serving Others:

Christmas offers an opportunity to emulate Christ’s humility by serving those in need. This not only meets practical needs but reflects God’s willingness to “stoop down” to humanity in the Incarnation.

4. Evangelistic Outreach:

Because of the season’s familiarity, people often display an openness to the story of Jesus’ arrival. Many find Christmas to be one of the best times to start conversations about the hope found in Christ’s birth, death, and resurrection.

IX. Conclusion

Christmas stands as a season of profound reflection on the reality that God’s Son came into the world to rescue humankind from sin and to fulfill ancient promises. The birth of Christ is no mere folktale but a historical event rooted in verifiable Scripture, bolstered by consistent manuscript evidence, faithful archaeological support, and a robust web of prophecy pointing to Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah.

In celebrating Christmas, believers affirm the Incarnation—God stepping into human history as a newborn child—offering a profound reason for joy and worship. As Luke 2:14 declares, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests!” This message resonates at the heart of why Christmas is celebrated: it is the good news that Christ has come, bringing salvation and peace to all who trust in Him.