Just a Christmas Child?

Why are the most sacred days of worship dedicated to this child in a manger? Christmas is celebrated all over the world, but what makes the child so special?

This child was literally a gift from heaven, since Jesus Christ revealed Himself as the eternal Son of God. He was the One performing divine signs and wonders. He was the One who spoke with unprecedented love and authority.

For generations, people from all walks of life have found refuge and consolation in Him. 

The sole, God-given way to heaven has appeared, and there are three indications that this is true:

1. Jesus is the One who was prophesied.
Centuries-old prophecies were fulfilled through Jesus’ incarnation. For example, an angel spoke to Joseph, Mary’s betrothed: “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet…” (Matt 1:21-22).

This prophecy was verifiably proclaimed 700 years prior to Jesus’ birth, and is only one of about 300 others.

2. Jesus is the Savior.
Death is the result of every sin. Every gravestone is a silent testimony to sin’s power. All our progress and achievements have failed to make humanity one bit better.

We’re still capable of the same things we were thousands of years ago. Sin is the result of turning away from God, and it causes us to be lost. Man without God is like a working lamp with no power—both remain dark. We need to be connected to the true source of energy. Jesus says of Himself, “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12).

Scripture also says of Him, “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners…” (1 Tim 1:15).

He came into our world, died for us on the Cross, and defeated death through His Resurrection. Through Him we receive forgiveness of sins, and thereby reconnect with God.

3. Jesus is the One who is to come.
Acts 17:31 is speaking of Jesus when it says, “Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.”

Jesus Christ will return. Not as a baby in a manger, but in God’s glory as Lord of all lords. We’re hurtling toward this event. He is the One under whom all powers will be subdued, the One who will establish eternal rule. You can turn your back on Jesus today. You can deny Him, fight against Him, mock Him … but you can’t prevent yourself from one day standing before His throne, where He will then render His final verdict on you. Jesus is either your Savior or your judge. The Bible says, “For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD” (Prov 8:35).

The only logical outcome, then, is to entrust yourself to Jesus in faith. His gift to you is worlds beyond any other human virtue. He allows you to participate in divine reality, and not just after death. He is the only place to find what you need most; without Him you’ll miss the most important thing. Don’t gamble your eternity on anything else.

Christmas tells us that God will come for us, no matter where we are.  

Let Him come for you today!

Midnight Call - 12/2024