We’ve all heard the phrase, “Jesus is the reason for the season,” but did you know there is a much deeper and more personal reason for the season?
During this time of holiday cheer, many are setting up Christmas trees, going Christmas shopping, decorating their homes with red and green or silver and gold, drinking hot apple cider and visiting Santa Clause at the mall, all while preparing to spend the holiday with family and close friends. And while all these things are truly special and fun, we can get too caught up with the tradition of Christmas and swept away with the holiday busy-ness that we overlook the real reason for the season.
So . . . what truly is the reason for the season?
Jesus is the Reason for the Season
“Jesus is the reason for the season.” We’ve all heard this saying before, and it is absolutely true! The Christmas season is, in fact, a time to remember and reflect on the reality that Jesus Christ—the Son of God—came into the world. In fact, the gospel of salvation begins with the birth of Jesus. Without Jesus, there would no “Christ” in Christmas. He truly is the reason for the season . . . but . . . there is so much more. There is a reason much deeper and more personal than what may be obvious from our token phrase.
To understand the answer, we must ask ourselves a deeper question. If Jesus is truly the reason for the season (which He is), then what was His reason for coming? This is the question whereby the real reason is discovered. Yes, Jesus is the reason for the season, but what was His reason for coming in the first place? What prompted Jesus to come at all? Matthew 1:23 gives us a clue:
“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel, which is translated, “God with us.”
The story of Christmas is all about a loving God who wants to be . . . WITH US! We are so special to the Lord that WE are HIS REASON for the season! Let that sink in!
You are the Reason for the Season
To you and me, Jesus is the reason for the season . . . but to God, you and I are the reason for the season. Christmas is all about a loving God who wants nothing more and nothing less than to be with YOU forever! He loves you so much!
John 3:16 says, “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.”
Jesus is the best gift you will ever receive . . . and YOU are the best gift HE will ever receive!
The Ultimate Gift Exchange
Jesus gave His life for you. Will you give your life to Jesus? It’s the greatest gift exchange. We receive Jesus. He receives us! Be a part of the ultimate and most special gift exchange this Christmas.
If you have not yet given your life to Jesus, now is the time. It’s time to receive the best gift God can offer . . . and to give God the best gift you can offer—a personal relationship with Him. The Bible says that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, you will be saved. This simply means you need to believe that Jesus came (which is the Christmas story) and that He is alive, and then confess with your mouth that He is Lord.
Pray this prayer aloud and mean it in your heart:
Dear God, thank You for tugging at my heart today. I believe in You and Your Son Jesus. I believe in my heart that You raised Him from the dead and that He is alive today. I confess today that Jesus is Lord. I give my life to Him. I choose this day to live for You. I know I’m not perfect and I may make mistakes, but I know that you love me and will help me become the person you have called me to be. I love you. From this moment forward, I am a follower of Jesus Christ. Amen.
If you prayed this prayer for the first time or if you made a recommitment to the Lord, this is not the end. This is the beginning. The beginning of a brand new life. Find a good, solid, Bible-teaching church and attend every week. Get involved. Buy a Bible and begin reading it. The Gospel of John is a good place to start. Attend Bible studies. Pray. Make new friends who will encourage you in your new walk with God. And most importantly, continue to grow in your personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
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Tristan Fenholt 