As Christmas approaches, it’s easy to get caught up in the American custom of fancy gifts, flashy decorations, and large holiday gatherings. But amid these traditions, we must remember that the real reason for Christmas didn’t come to us in extravagance. The reason for Christmas came to us as a baby born in a humble stable over 2,000 years ago. The reason for Christmas is our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

On the night of Jesus’ birth, Luke 2:10 records, the angels made the following proclamation to the shepherds: “…Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people.” The good news was not simply that Jesus had been born; the good news was the reason for His birth. In Luke 2:11, the angels elaborated, saying, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

A Savior. Jesus Christ, God’s Son, was born to be our Savior. John 3:17 says, “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him.” Jesus Christ was born on this earth as a human, to live a perfect life and redeem humankind to Himself. That is the real reason for the Christmas season.

Whether you’re looking forward to Christmas in joyful anticipation, dreading it due to difficulty and loss, or something in between, we can all find hope in recognizing and accepting the amazing redemption found only through our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Merry Christmas!

P.S. Would you please pray for my wife, Victoria, and me this week? This is a difficult time for us; yesterday was the due date for our baby Chris, whom we lost to a miscarriage. We chose the name Chris while reflecting on the Christmas season and the blessing that Christ’s birth brought. We are thankful the truth of Scripture stands no matter our circumstances – or yours. Please know our team is praying for you, as well.