Keeping Christ in CHRISTmas Day #9 The Real Reason for the Season

Keeping Christ in CHRISTmas – Day #9 - The Real Reason for the Season (John 3:14, 30; 12:32)

The Real Reason for the Season (John 3:14, 30; 12:32)

John 3:14, “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up.”
John 3:30, “He must increase, but I must decrease.”
​John 12:32, “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.”

Jesus is not part of the story of Christmas. Christmas is part of the story of Jesus. Jesus is the real reason for the season. Getting the Christmas spirit means different things to different people. To some it is that beautiful warm feeling of "no place like home for the holidays". To others it is the excitement of shopping for gifts and wrapping them by the tree. To the student, the Christmas spirit is getting away from school and studies for a while.

Focus is a choice of the heart. We must choose to discipline and devote our time in which we determine to focus our hearts on worshipping God. The distractions without and the cares within will never voluntarily subside to make room for meditation. We have to choose to shut out the noise and worship Jesus. If “Christmas” is some material thing that you are dying for, then you will probably be disappointed, even if you get it. If, however, you are seeking the Christ of Christmas, you will never be disappointed. The true spirit of Christmas gives Christ His rightful place.

The true spirit of Christmas involves a lot of self-denying, self-sacrificing, and self-giving. This is not easy, but it is Scriptural. The supreme illustration of what it means to give of oneself in the interests of others is the example of the eternal Son of God. He gave up the glory and majesty of heaven - for us (Philippians 2:6). He emptied Himself (Philippians 2:7). The eternal Son never emptied Himself of His Deity. He identified with us by becoming Man - for us (Philippians 2:7). He voluntarily gave up His hold on life and died - for us (Philippians 2:8). Every step of the path of our Lord was a further surrender of what was His by right.

As mentioned above, this portion of the Word of God has great doctrinal significance. Contained in these few short verses is the doctrine of the incarnation. That God became Man is surely the story of Christmas. Philippians 2:6, tells us that Jesus did not begin being God at Bethlehem, and He did not stop being God at Bethlehem. "Who, being in the form of God" conveys the idea of always being God. As the perfect Man and Servant, Jesus gave obediently of Himself for others to the point of death by crucifixion (Philippians 2:8). This is the mind or attitude that is to characterize the growing Christian. This is the true Christmas spirit.

Christmas will be difficult for many this year. Perhaps the death of loved ones is becoming incredibly real all over again, or maybe financial hardships have brought a family to the breaking point. I hurt deeply for those who are struggling, suffering, or sorrowing this Christmas. Christmas is the message that Christ came to help His people. And just as God gave mankind the greatest gift, we are to make giving a priority this season. Here is my question for you—how will you be a help to someone in need? Do something special and out of the ordinary this season, and if you’re not sure how, here are a few ideas.

There will be many who won’t have any funds this year. Find them and put some extra cash in their pocket or discover what their kids enjoy and bring some gifts. Or maybe you could bring them a meal or give them some decorations to brighten their home. I hope this holiday season will be more than just a reprieve from the rigors of your job. Look for ways to be compassionate to the hurting, lonely, discouraged, broken, and depressed.

If you are feeling overwhelmed with the season of Christmas, take a few moments and invite Christ into every detail of your life (Luke 2:7). May our hearts be anchored to the meaning of the Season...Jesus Christ. Perhaps, you can help families with small children make Christmas affordable. We know it will be worth every sacrifice made to help someone experience God. Because He truly is the reason for the season.

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