He Is The Reason For The Season

HE IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON

By: C. Mason Davis

Today’s Scripture

Philippians 2:5-11 reads; “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Jesus is the reason for the season (and every season) because He paved the way for us to meet the Father. He shares with us through His Word, the truth, on how we are called and commanded to live. And He offers us eternal Life through a proclamation of our faith. Today’s message focuses on the birth of Jesus as the core meaning of Christmas, emphasizing that his coming was a gift of love from God to humanity, offering salvation, hope, and eternal life. We’ll also look at the contrasts of the commercialism of the season with the spiritual significance of Jesus’ birth and encourages the congregation to remember, celebrate, and live in accordance with this teachings, which can be a powerful source of peace and rest.

The birth of Jesus was the fulfillment of God's plan: From God's perspective, humans are the reason for the season, because Jesus was sent as a gift to save us from our sin and provide a way to have eternal life. The birth of Jesus, a Savior who is Christ the Lord, was announced to bring light and hope to a world that was suffering. Jesus' life is a model of humility and service, though divine, "made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant" and was obedient to death, even on the cross. This demonstrates the ultimate act of love and sacrifice, which we can follow in our own lives.

The season is about more than traditions. While traditions like gift-giving and gatherings are part of Christmas, the true spirit of the season is found in the message of the gospel of John 1:14 which says: “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” It's a reminder of God's presence and love in our lives. The true "reason for the season" is love and salvation: John 3:16-17 say it best: “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. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” The season is a celebration of this immense love that God has for us, as shown through Jesus.

Depression is very common during the Christmas holiday. I believe much of the holiday depression comes largely from focusing on all the wrong things. For many, the focus is placed on an overweight-white-bearded, old man, who sits in the mall making promises to little children but can’t deliver on most of the promises. Instead, the parents of those kids become the real Santa in order to perpetuate the fantasy until the dreams of Christmas becomes materialistic.

The focus is further blurred by those who wish to be politically correct. "Merry Christmas" is turning into "happy holiday." Unfortunately, the phrase "happy holiday" has no more meaning than "How are you doing?" from the cashier at the department store. There is no expectation attached to such a phrase. The biggest emotion most people feel during this "happy holiday" is not happiness but resentment, exhaustion or depression.

But we need to refocus on the true reason of Christmas. My prayer is that you come away from this morning with a joyful heart, whether you receive five silk ties, a plastic toy that breaks within the first hour, or an electronic device that totally takes your attention away from Jesus. This morning, my intention is to give you a gift that should satisfy a hunger and hope in every human heart. That all the gifts given and received are more of a blessing in honor of Jesus’s birth, which means limiting the commercialism of the season. Kids won’t appreciate me saying this, but when they give you a wish list with the expectations of getting everything, and more, on their list, should instead receive more meaningful and gifts of necessity. Christmas is the reason why kids have become so entitled in their wants and it’s time that the parents and grandparents teach the kids not to believe that they’re entitled to every want they wish for. Instead, let’s teach the kids that the only want or need they need to be entitled to is a life in Christ. We also need to teach that it’s better to give than to receive.