During the Christmas season, we spend a lot of time searching for the perfect gift. We stand in long lines, click “add to cart” at midnight, and sometimes even wrap gifts so well that we forget what we have put inside. Some of us are still hoping we don’t receive another Christmas sweater two sizes too small or socks when we specifically said, “I’m good on socks this year.” Consequently, Christmas is not ultimately about what we place under the tree; it’s about “Who” was placed in a manger.
This one powerful verse captures the essence of Christmas: “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11, ESV). That announcement changed history! God did not send a lecture, a law, or a list of rules; He sent His Son. John 1:14, ESV reminds us, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us …” The Creator stepped into His creation. The One who hung the stars allowed Himself to be wrapped in swaddling clothes. The King of Glory entered the world not through palace doors, but through a stable. Christmas is God saying, “I am not distant. I have come near.”
Now here is where Christmas should become more serious for us today. The baby in the manger did not remain a baby. He grew to be the Savior who would carry our sins to the cross. Christmas points forward to Calvary. The wood of the manger foreshadows the wood of the cross. Hallelujah, Lord Jesus! Isaiah 9:6, ESV declares, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given… and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Then “The Notice” to us is this: Christmas is not just an event we celebrate; it is a gift we must receive!
Many people celebrate Christmas without Christ. We decorate everything except our hearts. We sing the songs, but ignore the message. We welcome the holiday, but resist the Savior. The real tragedy of Christmas is not missing a gift; it is missing Jesus. So the question this season is simple, but serious: What will you do with the Christ of Christmas? Will you admire Him from a distance, or will you surrender to Him fully? Will you acknowledge Him as a baby, or worship Him as Lord?
This Christmas and always, let us remember that the greatest gift cannot be bought, returned, or replaced. Jesus is the gift, and thank God Almighty, He is still available. Always remember that Jesus is the reason for the season, and never leave home without Him!
