‘Tis the Season to be shopping, wrapping, baking and attending countless Christmas parties! All of it fun, but stressful and overwhelming all the same. The best gift I gave myself was taking the time to read a little book by Rick Warren called “The Purpose of Christmas”. My gift to you is a recap of his powerful message…
The Purpose of Christmas 
The first purpose of Christmas is Celebration!
I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Luke 2:10
- God loves us
- God is with us
- God is for us
He didn’t send an angel or a prophet. He knew the best way to communicate His love to us would be face-to-face.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
God’s promise is to never leave nor forsake us.
Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. Psalm 139:7-9
When we are facing a personal attack, it is great to have God with us, but even greater to know that He is for us.
…if God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
The second purpose of Christmas is Salvation!
- Jesus saves us from something
- Jesus saves us for something
- Jesus saves us by something
We are saved from the sins we commit through our words, our thoughts, and our actions.
For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:21 NLT
Jesus created us, shaped us, gifted us and calls us for a purpose.
Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness. Romans 6:13.
Jesus came to save us by grace, through faith.
Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?” Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.” John 6:29
Salvation is not a matter of trying, but trusting. It’s not a matter of proving we deserve it, but accepting it by faith, knowing we don’t deserve it. That is grace. Undeserved love.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is a gift of God. Ephesians 2:8
The third purpose of Christmas is Peace and Reconciliation!
- Peace with God
- The peace of God
- Peace with others
The “Prince of Peace” came to share His peace with us
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of god, which transcends all understanding will guard your hears and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
Once we make peace with God, we begin to experience the peace of God in ours heart and in our minds.
Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-29
When Christ comes into our life, one of the first areas where we see a difference is in our relationships. The true children of God are peacemakers.
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:18
The true purpose of Christmas is the Celebration of our Savior’s birth, the Salvation He offers to all who believe in Him and the Peace and Reconciliation we can enjoy with our Heavenly Father, Family, Friends and all Mankind!
Are you ready to unwrap and receive God’s amazing gift?
“Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!”
2 Corinthians 9:15
Merry Christmas!!