While the world focuses on the festivities, many are asking, what is the purpose of Christmas? Beyond the celebration lies a divine appointment. The true meaning of Christmas is found in the birth of Jesus Christ. This is not merely a holiday; it is a “Holy Day” centered on the Incarnation of the Son of God. When we ask, what is the purpose of Christmas?, we are essentially asking why God chose to step into human history.
The Gospel of Luke tells us that an angel appeared to shepherds, saying, “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people” (Luke 2:10). This joy is the foundation for understanding to the question of what is the purpose of Christmas? It is a celebration of a historical fact that has eternal implications. In this post, I will explore the multifaceted answer to what is the purpose of Christmas? through the lens of Holy Scripture. As we dive into these biblical truths, we see that the purpose is far greater than any tradition. Understanding what is the purpose of Christmas, requires us to look at the heart of God and His plan for humanity.
Fulfillment of The Prophecy: Why the Purpose of Christmas Began in the Old Testament
What is the purpose of Christmas? To understand this, we must realize that the birth of Jesus was not an afterthought or a “Plan B.” For centuries, the prophets of the Old Testament spoke of a coming Messiah. If you want to know the purpose of Christmas, you must look at the faithfulness of God in keeping His word. The prophet Isaiah, writing over 700 years before the event, declared, “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14).
When we ask, what is the purpose of Christmas?, we are seeing the culmination of ancient promises. This prophetic purpose proves that God is in control of history. The specific details of the birth – such as the location in Bethlehem predicted in Micah 5:2 – help us answer what is the purpose of Christmas? by showing that Jesus is the legitimate King from the line of David.
What is the purpose of Christmas? It is the demonstration of God’s sovereignty. By studying the Seed of Abraham and the Throne of David, we find that what is the purpose of Christmas? is rooted in a covenantal relationship. God promised a Savior, and at the first Christmas, He delivered on that promise. Every time we ask, what is the purpose of Christmas?, we should be reminded that God’s word never fails. The biblical prophecy surrounding the Nativity provides the “Why” behind the “What.” What is the purpose of Christmas? It is the visible proof that God remembers His people and fulfills every word He has spoken throughout the ages.
Emmanuel (Go With Us): Understanding What Is The Purpose of Christmas? Through the Incarnation
The word “Incarnation” refers to God becoming flesh. When we contemplate what is the purpose of Christmas?, we must look at the mystery of Immanuel – “God with us.” John 1:14 states, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” This is the foundational answer to what is the purpose of Christmas? God did not want to remain distant; He wanted to be near.
What is the purpose of Christmas? It is the bridge between the finite and the infinite. By taking on human form, Jesus was able to experience human life, yet without sin. If someone asks you, what is the purpose of Christmas?, tell them it was so that God could walk in our shoes. This dual nature – fully God and fully man – is essential to answering what is the purpose of Christmas? Philippians 2:6 – 7 explains that Jesus emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant.
When I reflect on what is the purpose of Christmas?, I am struck by the humility of the Creator lying in a manger. What is the purpose of Christmas? It is the ultimate act of condescension for the sake of connection. We cannot reach God on our own, so God reached down to us. This is the biblical meaning of Christmas. The purpose of Christmas is to reveal that God is not a cold, detached deity, but a Father who draws near. What is the purpose of Christmas? It is the reality that the Creator of the stars became a child to seek and save the lost. Every light we hang should remind us of this light coming into the world. What is the purpose of Christmas? It is the divine presence dwelling among a broken people to bring hope.
The Mission of the Manger: What Is The Purpose of Christmas? for a Lost World
We must address the most urgent reason for the Nativity. What is the purpose of Christmas? It is salvation. The angel told Joseph, “You are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). To understand what is the purpose of Christmas?, we must first understand the problem of sin. Romans 3:23 tells us that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
Therefore, what is the purpose of Christmas? It is the rescue mission of all rescue missions. Jesus was born in a manger specifically so that He could die on a cross. When we ask, what is the purpose of Christmas?, we are looking at the beginning of the road to Calvary. Without the birth, there could be no sacrifice. Without the sacrifice, there could be no redemption. What is the purpose of Christmas? It is the provision of a perfect Lamb to take away the sin of the world.
In my years of ministry, I have found that people often forget that the wood of the manger is linked to the wood of the cross. What is the purpose of Christmas? It is to satisfy the justice of God while demonstrating His mercy. What is the purpose of Christmas? It is the answer to our deepest need – the need for a Savior. Luke 19:10 reminds us that “the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
What is the purpose of Christmas? It is the opening of the way to eternal life. We celebrate the birth because it signaled the end of our separation from God. What is the purpose of Christmas? It is the arrival of the only One who could pay a debt He did not owe for those who owed a debt they could not pay. What is the purpose of Christmas? It is the gift of salvation offered freely to anyone who believes. What is the purpose of Christmas? It is the foundation of our faith and the hope of our future. When you see a nativity scene, remember what is the purpose of Christmas? It is the start of the greatest story of grace ever told.
A Display of Mercy: How the Purpose of Christmas Reveals God’s Heart
What is the purpose of Christmas? It is the clearest revelation of the character of God. “God is love,” the Bible tells us, but Christmas shows us that love in action. When we ask, what is the purpose of Christmas?, we look at John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son.” What is the purpose of Christmas? It is the tangible manifestation of divine mercy.
God did not send a message; He sent Himself. What is the purpose of Christmas? It is to show us that we are valued by our Creator. By looking at the life of Jesus, which began in that humble stable, we see the heart of the Father. What is the purpose of Christmas? It is to replace our fear with His love. 1 John 4:9 says, “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.”
What is the purpose of Christmas? It is to demonstrate that God’s grace is greater than our failures. When I ponder what is the purpose of Christmas?, I see a mirror of mercy reflecting a God who is patient, kind, and willing to suffer for His children. What is the purpose of Christmas? It is to invite us into a relationship based on grace, not works. What is the purpose of Christmas? It is the light of God’s glory shining in the face of Christ. What is the purpose of Christmas? It is the ultimate expression of the Father’s longing to bring His children home.
Restoring Fellowship Through Peace on Earth
The angels sang, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:14). But what is the purpose of Christmas? in terms of this peace? It is not just the absence of conflict; it is the restoration of fellowship. What is the purpose of Christmas? It is the ministry of reconciliation.
Because of sin, humanity was at enmity with God. What is the purpose of Christmas? It is the arrival of the Prince of Peace to settle the conflict. 2 Corinthians 5:18 – 19 explains that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ. When we ask, what is the purpose of Christmas?, we are talking about the “Shalom” of God – wholeness and harmony.
What is the purpose of Christmas? It is the bridge that allows us to have “peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1). This peace is the internal rest that comes from knowing our sins are forgiven. What is the purpose of Christmas? It is the end of our spiritual exile. What is the purpose of Christmas? It is the invitation to sit at the Father’s table once again. What is the purpose of Christmas? It is the healing of the breach that occurred in Eden.
Great Joy for All: The Universal Reach of the Gospel
Finally, what is the purpose of Christmas? It is to provide a joy that is universal. The angel said the news was for “all the people.” What is the purpose of Christmas? It is the global announcement that the Savior has arrived for every nation, tribe, and tongue.
What is the purpose of Christmas? It is the breaking down of walls between people groups. In Christ, there is no Jew or Gentile. What is the purpose of Christmas? It is the Great Commission starting in a small town. This joy is not dependent on circumstances; it is based on the person of Jesus. What is the purpose of Christmas? It is the hope of the world.
Conclusion
So, what is the purpose of Christmas? It is the birth of the Savior, the fulfillment of prophecy, the miracle of the Incarnation, and the promise of eternal life. What is the purpose of Christmas? It is an invitation to you. Will you accept the gift?
As we have seen, the answer to the purpose of Christmas? is found solely in the person of Jesus Christ. He is the reason for the season, the purpose of the celebration, and the King of our hearts. What is the purpose of Christmas? It is the beginning of your new life in Him.
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Frequently Asked Questions About the Purpose of Christmas
What is the purpose of Christmas according to the Bible?
The biblical purpose of Christmas is to celebrate the Incarnation, the moment God the Son took on human flesh to dwell among humanity. According to Matthew 1:21, the primary mission was salvation: “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.” It is a day to commemorate the fulfillment of God’s ancient promises to redeem a fallen world.
Why did Jesus have to be born as a baby?
Jesus was born as a baby so that He could be fully human and fully God. By entering the world through a human birth, He became our “High Priest” who can sympathize with our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15). This humble beginning was necessary so that He could live a sinless life as a man and eventually offer Himself as the perfect, relatable sacrifice for the sins of mankind.
Where in the Bible is the story of the first Christmas?
The most comprehensive accounts of the story of Christ’s birth are found in the Gospels of Matthew (Chapters 1–2) and Luke (Chapters 1–2). Matthew focuses on the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and the visit of the Magi, while Luke provides the narrative of the shepherds, the manger, and the angelic announcement of “Peace on Earth.”
What is the meaning of the word “Immanuel” in the Christmas story?
The name Immanuel (found in Isaiah 7:14 and Matthew 1:23) literally means “God with us.” It serves as the core theological purpose of Christmas – signaling that God did not remain distant but entered human history to restore the broken relationship between the Creator and His creation.
Is the purpose of Christmas related to Easter?
Yes, the purpose of Christmas is inextricably linked to Easter. The cradle was the necessary precursor to the cross. Jesus was born in Bethlehem (Christmas) for the specific purpose of dying for our sins and rising again in Jerusalem (Easter). Without the birth of Jesus Christ, there would be no sacrifice for sin and no hope of the resurrection.
What is the “greatest gift” of Christmas?
The greatest gift of Christmas is the Gift of Salvation. As stated in Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Unlike material gifts, this spiritual gift is eternal, unconditional, and available to anyone who believes in Him.
