Christmas has long been viewed as a magical time of joy and family. But, what does the Bible actually have to say about Christmas? By looking at Scripture, we can gain a much clearer understanding for how Christians can celebrate this special time of year.
The Bible does not specifically mention the word “Christmas” or the manger scene usually associated with the birth of Jesus. However, the Bible does offer clues to the purpose and reason for this holiday. In Isaiah 9:6, for instance, we read, “For unto us a child is born, Unto us a son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace.”
There are several other references to the birth of Jesus in the Bible, such as Luke 2:11, which tells us of the angel’s proclamation to the shepherds that “Today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
The Bible also contains several messages about goodwill and love that go hand in hand with Christmas. We can read, in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” This verse speaks of the ultimate love that God has for mankind, a love that translates to our love for one another during this festive time.
The Bible also offers other lessons from which we can learn during the Christmas season. In James 1:17 we can read, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from The Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” This verse serves as a reminder to give back to those in need, a lesson that can be learned during this time of year by donating to charity and helping those less fortunate.
During this Christmas season, we can all take the time to reflect on the incredible love that God has for us, the love He promises us through Jesus Christ. By looking to the Bible, we can gain a greater understanding of why we celebrate Christmas and what it really means.
Forgiveness
God’s love is an integral part of Christmas, but the Bible also speaks to us about the importance of forgiveness. Throughout the New Testament, we hear Jesus urging us to forgive others, just as God forgives our sins. This is a difficult task, especially since it often involves the person who wronged us. Yet, by looking to the Bible, we can find comfort in the knowledge that in forgiving others, we are fulfilling God’s will for our lives.
Jesus’ teachings on forgiveness are evident in His actions. When He was dying on the cross He said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). This is a powerful reminder that, regardless of our transgressions, God can and will forgive us, if we are willing to open our hearts to Him and ask for His help.
The Bible can also help us realize that we are forgiven even when we have wronged others and feel deep–seated guilt and shame. In 1 John 1:9, we read: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Forgiveness is an essential part of Christmas, and by looking to the Bible, we can find the strength and guidance to do what God intends us to do: forgive our enemies and seek reconciliation with all.
Helping Those in Need
Christmas is a time to give to those who are less fortunate and in need. This is a message that was made very clear in the Gospel of Luke, when Jesus said, “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me” (Luke 19:35-36). This is an example of the kind of love and mercy that we should be showing to those who are struggling during the Christmas season.
The Bible offers stores of examples of how to show love and kindness to others. Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me” (Matthew 25:40). This passage reminds us that we can use the gifts and resources we have been blessed with to help others in need.
We can also look to the book of James, which speaks of the power of good deeds. In James 2:14-17, it says, “What good is it, my brothers, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?”
This verse is a powerful reminder to use our time and resources to help those in need, and Christmas is the perfect season for this kind of compassion. By looking to the Bible, we can gain a greater understanding of how we can show God’s love to those who are struggling.
Worship
The Bible tells us that worship is an important part of our relationship with God. We can read in Psalm 95:6, “Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.” This verse serves as a reminder that the act of worship is essential to our relationship with God.
Christmas is the perfect time of year to focus on worship and to give thanks to our loving and merciful God. One of the best ways to do this is by attending church services and participating in Christmas carols and hymns. By using our voices to uplift and glorify our Lord, we can create a powerful atmosphere of worship and thankfulness.
Another way to practice worship during Christmas is to set aside time for prayer. We can read in the book of Isaiah, “In returning and rest you shall be saved; inquietness and confidence shall be your strength” (Isaiah 30:15). This verse reminds us that by taking the time to pray and meditate on God’s word, we can find peace and strength.
Finally, we can look to Jesus as an example of how to worship God during this festive season. In John 4:23, Jesus said, “Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.” This verse reminds us to seek out those who are sincere and faithful in their worship, and to strive to be like them in our own lives.
Unconditional Love
At the heart of Christmas is unconditional love, a love that is offered freely and without strings attached. We can read in 1 Corinthians 13, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking” (1 Corinthians 13:4-5). There is no greater example of love and generosity than what God has shown us through His one and only Son, Jesus Christ.
Christmas is the perfect time of year to practice the same selfless love and generosity that our Lord models for us each and every day. Even in the midst of our own struggles and setbacks, Christmas is a time to celebrate the gift of unconditional love. We can show love and kindness to those around us and reach out to those in need.
We can also use this season to reach out to those from whom we are estranged and to seek forgiveness. By focusing on God’s unconditional love and grace, we can find the courage and strength to do what He has called us to do: to love one another.
Rejoicing
Finally, the Bible calls us to rejoice during this time of year. Christ’s birth is a cause for rejoicing, for he brought about the promise of salvation for all mankind. We can look to the book of Zephaniah for encouragement, “Sing, O Daughter of Zion; shout aloud, O Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, O Daughter of Jerusalem! The Lord has taken away his accusations against you, he has turned away your enemies” (Zephaniah 3:14-15).
This passage tells us that we can celebrate with joy and gladness, even in the midst of suffering and persecution. We can use this time of year to lift our voices and praise God, who has blessed us with grace and mercy.
At Christmas, we can look to the Bible for guidance and strength. Not only can we discover the reason for this special season, but we can also learn valuable lessons on forgiveness, helping those in need, and rejoicing with those around us.
