Christmas is not really about gifts, parties, lights, and Santa. Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ about 2,000 years ago. You might say, “Who cares if Jesus was born? What does that have to do with me?”
If you will keep reading, you will find that Jesus Christ’s birth does have to do with you and your future.
The best person to answer the “Why Christmas” question is Jesus himself. In the Bible Jesus said, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10)
Jesus said he came to earth from heaven to give you life.
Do you have an empty feeling inside, a feeling there must be more to life than you have, a terrible awareness of guilt, an unhappiness and hopeless feeling inside? That void is the lack of spiritual life, and you are not alone.
All people are spiritually dead because of sin. God is the giver of life, and living contrary to his standard of right is sin. The Bible says, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” (Romans 3:23)
Being spiritually dead gets worse. It leads to eternal death in hell. “For the wages of sin is death.” (Romans 6:23)
The good news is that Jesus said, “I am come that they might have life,” You do not need to stay spiritually dead and face eternal death. The Bible tells us, “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” (John 3:17) Jesus, God’s Son, came to this earth to save sinners from spiritual death. He does not want you to go to hell. “The Lord is . . . not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9) God loves us and “while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) He died in your place. He died to pay for your sin and rose to life again so you could have life. He came to offer you eternal life. “The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)
Again Jesus said, “I am come that they might have life,” The word might expresses potential. The life Christ offers must be received. “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:” (Joh 1:12) To receive it, you must admit you are spiritually dead and that your sin condemns you, believe that Jesus died and rose again to pay for your sin and offer you life, then in faith ask him for forgiveness and eternal life.
You cannot receive life by being good, trying hard, being religious, going to church, saying prayers, or getting baptised. Spiritual life is in Jesus Christ alone! If you do not receive God’s offer, you will miss out. If you receive it, God will give you life now and forever with him in heaven. “That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:15)
The life that Jesus came to give us is a great gift, but there is more. Let’s look at the rest of the verse. “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10)
Jesus came to earth to give you an abundant life.
The word abundant means “extraordinary,” “unusual,” “overflowing.” The life he gives is first class.
If you buy a new car there are many optional extras that you can get for the car like rust-proofing, fabric protection, headlight bonnet protectors, extended warranty, automatic air-conditioning, backseat DVD, fancy seats, premium audio, sports suspension and wheels. But of course all of these extras cost extra money.
The abundant life that Christ gives comes equipped with ALL the extras, at no extra cost. Christ paid the full price to give believers the very best.
Let’s consider some of the extras that come with abundant life in Christ.
The abundant life includes inner happiness, joy, and peace. “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)
The abundant life includes entrance into God’s family. “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:26)
The abundant life includes a home in heaven with God. Jesus said, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” (John 14:3)
The abundant life includes an awesome inheritance in heaven. God promises us “an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,” (1Peter 1:4)
The abundant life includes eternal security. “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” (John 10:28)
Why Christmas? The reason for Christmas is to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ who came to earth to give us eternal life that is abundant.
Have you received God’s Christmas gift of abundant life? If not, why not take it right now? You will be forever glad you did.
Talk to God like you talk to a friend. Admit to him that you are spiritually dead and deserving of hell. Believe that Jesus died and rose again to pay for your sin and offer you life. Then in faith ask him to forgive you and give you eternal life. It is not difficult.
If you have just received God’s gift of abundant life, please let us know so we can be of help to you. Please visit Northside Baptist Church (Details) or Contact Us