Written by: Theron Adrianne A. Bueno
Scholar batch 2021-2022
School: Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila
People around the world celebrate Christmas. In the midst of all the celebrations, it can be easy to miss the ‘Christ’ in Christmas. It’s the time of the year when we play Christmas carols, give gifts, prepare for Noche Buena, you know the drill. But why do we do these things?
This 2021, I wanted to develop the habit of reading every day, and I chose to read the Bible. By this time, I’m almost done, and I’d like to share with you some reasons behind the season from a biblical perspective.
The angel who appeared to the shepherds the night of Jesus’ birth said, “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!” (Luke 2:10-11 NLT)
Good news is meant to be celebrated. We celebrate Christmas because the birth of Jesus Christ is “good news,” as the angel stated. And Jesus’ birth is not just any news. It will bring “great joy” and is for “all people.”
Notice the three titles the angel used “The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!“
- Savior
Jesus is the promised Savior who delivers us from sin and death. Jesus means “The Lord Saves.” (Matthew 1:21) - Messiah
Also known as ‘Christ,’ meaning anointed. The Messiah fulfilled the prophesies written in the old testament many years ago. Proving God is faithful to His promises. (Luke 24:44) - Lord
Generally speaking, a lord is someone who has authority, control, or power over others. (i.e., landlord over tenants). Referring to Jesus as Lord means recognition of the authority that has been given to Him. (Matthew 28:18)
We celebrate Christmas with gift-giving as a remembrance of the Magi’s gifts to baby Jesus (Matthew 2) and, most importantly, because of the gift from God Himself—eternal life(Romans 6:23). We celebrate Christmas with Christmas carols following the example of Mary, Zacharias, Simeon, and the angels who worshipped the Lord with the first Christmas carols (Luke 1-2). We decorate our homes with Christmas lights because Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, has arrived so that we won’t have to walk in darkness anymore (John 8:12).
Christmas is all about Jesus redeeming us from sure death—the reason behind the season. God did not just stay in heaven where we can’t reach Him. He came down to where we are—leaving the glories of heaven above—because of love. Jesus died for us, so we won’t have to. He did whatever was necessary to deliver us from eternal death.
If this is the first time you have heard about Christ, this season is the perfect time to receive the greatest gift you’ll ever receive—accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Merry Christmas!
P.S.: The custom of celebrating Christmas on December 25 dates back to A.D. 273.
PPS: The word “Christmas” is not mentioned in the Bible, as it emerged during the early centuries of the Church. But there are many Christians who do celebrate Christmas. Their justification for the celebration can be found in the Bible.
