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.
This gift of Jesus is from God, and I’m going to let God’s own Word, the Bible, tell you about this gift. Most of you know and have this gift, but all of us need to be reminded to enjoy this gift more often. God’s gift was His own Son, Jesus Christ. The Bible records this event of how God’s Son was given to us. We read this in Matthew 1:18-23: “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”
This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph, her husband, was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"; which means, "God with us."
The Bible tells us in 1 Peter 3:18 that “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit.” Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.
Religion is man’s attempt to be with God or to become like God. Christmas is God’s solution to religion. Because of sin, we can’t measure up, so God sent His only Son to measure up on our behalf. Because of Christmas, the hunger and hope of being with God can now be satisfied, and we can choose the joy of knowing and being at peace with our Maker. Christmas is a time when we can know from Whom we have come, for what reason were we separated and how we could be restored.
From whom have we come? From a holy and loving God. God’s Son came in human form that we might understand from where we have come, for what reason we were separated and how we could be restored to God. Christmas is not about empty promises or material gifts. Christmas is about a fulfilled promise of restored relationship between God and humankind.
The sentiment is rooted in various biblical passages, with a key verse often cited being Luke 2:11 says; “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” Another relevant scripture is found in Isaiah 9:6 which states; “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." For to us a child is born, to us a son is given.
The expression "Jesus is the reason for the season" gained prominence in the 1970s as a Christian response to the increasing commercialization and secularization of Christmas. For believers, the statement serves as a reminder to shift focus away from material pursuits and more toward the spiritual significance of God sending his son to Earth.
Although we spend a lot of time and money on non-faith related decorations and traditions, the Christmas tree is a tradition that is mostly faith related.
The tradition of the Christmas tree originated in 16th-century Germany, where Christians began bringing decorated evergreens into their homes. This tradition is linked to earlier pagan customs of using evergreens during winter solstice and the medieval Christian practice of using a fir tree decorated with apples as a "Paradise Tree" for Adam and Eve. The Christmas tree symbolizes multiple meaningful concepts that have evolved across centuries and cultures. The primary ChristiansSymbolism is the Light in darkness, Christ's birth bringing hope to the world. Evergreen branches represent everlasting life. For many, the Christmas tree represents Jesus Christ's birth and resurrection. The tree branches and trees are regarded as a sign of immortality and are thought to represent Christ's crown of thorns on the crucifixion.
Superstitions about Christmas trees include beliefs that putting a tree up too early brings bad luck as well as causes it to dry out, and that leaving it up too long after Christmas, especially past the Twelfth Night invites bad luck for the new year.
Some of the non-religious aspects of Christmas traditions are:
Gift-giving, which is sometimes linked to the biblical story of the Magi, and today is primarily a secular way to show affection,
The modern Santa Claus is a secular figure with roots to the historical 3rd century, Saint Nicholas (a Christian bishop known for his generosity). But his contemporary image and the associated lore of flying reindeer, the workshop full of elves building toys, and his residence at the North Pole are fantasies of American secular evolution and literature, such as the poem 'Twas the Night Before Christmas.
Many common decorations have non-religious origins such as: Holly, Ivy, and Mistletoe: These evergreens were significant to ancient Celtic Druids and Romans, representing immortality and peace during the dark winter months. Christmas Lights have been and are used as lights (originally candles) was popularized by Martin Luther to simulate stars twinkling among the branches of a tree, but generally symbolizes light in the darkness of winter. The star on top of a Christmas tree symbolizes the Star of Bethlehem, which, according to the biblical story, guided the wise men to the birthplace of Jesus. It represents divine guidance, hope, and the birth of Christ, and it's a key part of the Nativity story, as can be read in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke.
Wreaths and garlands, like other evergreens, are from ancient midwinter celebrations designed to bring greenery and life indoors. While baking and feasting that brings friends and family together, as well as drinking specific beverages have long been a part of winter solstice celebrations. Popular holiday books and films, such as Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, and the movie It’s a Wonderful Life have helped shape the modern understanding of Christmas as a time for charity, goodwill, peace, love, and family togetherness. The simple act of spending time with loved ones, making memories, and participating in shared family traditions is a top priority for many, regardless of religious affiliation. Many families make it a tradition to donate time and money to those in need during the holiday season, a widely valued expression of empathy and community support.
But another perspective suggests that "You are the reason for the season" of which the emphasis should be not only on “Jesus as the "reason," but on humanity's need for a Savior as the reason God sent Jesus. Jesus' birth is seen as the beginning of God's plan of redemption and the source of ultimate hope and eternal life for humanity.
The birth of Jesus is considered "good news" that brings hope, love, and joy to the world, a message that is celebrated and shared. I challenge all of us to look past the presents, lights, shiny baubles, and other decorations and make this Christmas all about the reason for the season, being the birth of Jesus. Put Him first and foremost with all your mind, body, and soul and don’t worry about what’s under the tree with your name on it. Spend this Christmas giving instead of receiving. In Acts 20:35, “I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.” The best gifts come without bows. To experience this, give gifts to the less fortunate, including the best gift of all…sharing Jesus. It is this that I pray for all of us. Amen.
