Today, we’re enjoying Christmas in the Deep South with my wife Cassidy’s family. The day has been filled with fellowship, food, gifts, and memories.

Yet the moment that best summed it up was when my father-in-law opened the Bible to the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2, bringing us back to Christ’s birth in a humble Bethlehem stable and the purpose of His advent to earth.

The first syllable in the word Christmas should be the first thought on our minds. After all, there would be no Christmas without Christ.

The angels told the shepherds where they could find the greatest gift of Christmas, as they announced, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11). 

For the Christian, Christmas sums up the reason for everything we do.

Christmas Alters Our Destination

Why did Christ come to earth?

He proclaimed, “I am come, that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).

Luke 19:10 reminds us, “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” He came to save the world (John 12:47), because “All we like sheep have gone astray, we have turned everyone to his own way” (Isaiah 53:6).

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

In his brief ministry, Christ proclaimed this message, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of heaven is at hand, repent ye and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:14-15).

If you have repented and trusted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, your destination is no longer hell, but heaven.

Christmas Clarifies the Purpose of Life

The wise men came asking, “Where is he that is born king of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him” (Matthew 2:2). What troubled King Herod was not Christ the Savior, but Christ the King, the One whose Word is final, and who demands absolute loyalty from His subjects.

As His life was wrapped up in the will of His Father, so should our purpose be wrapped up in the will of the King as revealed through His Word.

Christ is more than Savior. He is the King who cares about every aspect of life, including education, work, family, government, and entertainment.

Christmas Transforms Our View of the World

Before His ascension, Christ commissioned His disciples, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even until the end of the world. Amen” (Matthew 28:19-20).  

The Great Commission must radically affect our every life relationship, as we obey Christ by faithfully and compassionately evangelizing and discipling the nations, beginning with those around us. This command impacts our families, churches, communities, friendships, businesses, and the world.

This Christmas, consider the greatest gift ever given, eternal salvation through Christ the Savior. Have you received the gift of salvation? If so, present your life to Him as a gift and share that gift with the world.

As you create memories with family and friends, may you remember Christ, the true reason for the season.

QUESTION: How can we carry the spirit of Christmas into every day of our lives?