The True Meaning of Christmas
by Christopher Kratsas - December 2010
“Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a Son, and shall call His Name Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14).
At this time of year gift giving and festivities abound. The celebration of Christmas is often reduced to the material things we are able to give to our loved ones and those which we in turn are blessed to receive. More often than not in the midst of all the activity, the true meaning of Christmas is lost or forgotten upon the hearts of most. Let us take time now for a few moments to restore our hearts back to the true meaning of Christmas. During this time we will find a Gift greater than all others.
These above words by the Prophet Isaiah were uttered approximately 750 years before the birth of Christ. They constitute one of the most astounding prophecies ever given in the Bible. The reason for their great significance is that they reveal the manner in which this great Salvation, which had been predicted from the time of the Garden of Eden, would come into the world. It would come in the form of a virgin born Son. Because of the unique nature of His conception and birth this baby boy would not harbor the fallen human characteristics of its father or its mother. Mary simply served as a willing vessel to contain His (Christ’s) developing human form (for nine months). Having always been God from eternity past, the Son of God was to be born into this world to become a Man. The name “Immanuel” means “God with us”. One may ask, “Why did He need to come and become a Man?” Up until the time of Christ, animal sacrifices were offered to merely cover the sins of the people. A person’s Faith in what the sacrifice represented (the coming Redeemer) was accepted by God to provide a covering for their sin. The sins were only covered, but never taken away. But when Jesus came into this world, He said, “Sacrifice and Offering You [the Father] would not, but a Body have You prepared Me” (Heb 10:5). This refers to the fact that it was God’s full intention to provide a Physical Body for Christ that would be acceptable to God as the only Sacrifice needed to fully pay for our sins.
When Isaiah wrote these words, inspired by the Holy Spirit, one must wonder if the prophet could have at that time comprehended their full meaning. How could a virgin conceive? Can you imagine the ridicule he must have received for this prophecy? It would be easy to ridicule his statement seeing the natural physical impossibility of such a happening. When the Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, she asked him as well how this could be. The Angel answered her by saying: “The Holy Spirit shall come upon you, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow you: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of you shall be called the Son of God” (Luke 1:35). The last statement he made to her was – “For with God nothing shall be impossible” (Luke 1:37). Mary then said to the Angel, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). Mary was a willing vessel and showed a remarkable Faith and maturity for her age (she was probable in her late teens).
When Mary visited Elizabeth who was now about six months pregnant with John the Baptist, and told her what the Angel had said about the coming birth of her (Mary’s) son, the baby John leaped in Elizabeth’s womb for joy, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:41). Elizabeth then said to her, “Blessed is she who believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord” (Luke 1:45). There truly was a performance of those things, for within a very short time, Mary brought forth her Firstborn Son (Luke 2:7).
Shortly after the birth of Christ, an Angel appeared to shepherds in a field who were keeping watch over their flocks by night. This Angel said unto them, “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, Who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10). Then suddenly, a multitude of Angels appeared with the first Angel praising God, and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:13). First, all glory must go to God for His wonderful salvation plan. As well, peace on Earth can only reign as long as the Prince of Peace is present. History records that during the time of the Life of Christ, the Roman Empire was at peace all over the world. The great war gates of Janus, the Roman war god were closed shut during the 33-1/2 years of Jesus Life on Earth. There was no need for them to be open when the world was at peace. Shortly after the death of Christ, the Roman Empire was again at war. Rome’s conquering armies would devastate the city of Jerusalem some 40 years later. When Jesus returns the Second time to set up His Kingdom on Earth there will be peace over the whole world like man has never known before. Isaiah himself said, referring to Christ’s coming Kingdom that, “He shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears
into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more” (Isaiah 2:4). Lastly, God’s good will toward men was consummated in the Loving Act of fulfilling His Promise of Salvation by sending His Dear Son into this world to become a Man Who would die in our place.
This dear reader, is the true meaning of Christmas. It is the Promise of God fulfilled to send the One Who would redeem us from our sins. The name Jesus means “Savior”. Jesus was sent into the world by God, to become one of us, so that He could take our place and provide the necessary Sacrifice to put away our sin forever. John with sublime words said it so well: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have Everlasting Life” (John 3:16). This is the greatest and most valuable Gift ever given, and the most desirable and important Gift one could ever receive. The only requirement is to believe in Christ and fully accept what He did for you. Then this Gift will belong to you forever.
At this time of year, let us always keep foremost in our hearts and minds:
God’s Precious Gift to us; His Son - the True Meaning of Christmas.
The great Christmas Hymn “O Holy Night” says the following:
O Holy Night, the stars are brightly shining,
It is the Night of the Dear Savior's birth;
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till He appeared and the soul felt it's worth.
A thrill of hope the weary soul rejoices,
For yonder breaks a New and Glorious Morn;
Fall on your knees, Oh hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night divine, O holy night, O night divine.
Truly He taught us to love one another
His Law is Love and His Gospel is Peace
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother
And in His Name all oppression shall cease
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His Holy Name.
Fall on your knees, Oh hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night divine, O holy night, O night divine.
Merry Christmas!
His Grace and Blessings to you all,
Chris
