OPENING ILLUSTRATION: Covert mission in the Middle East “OMAN FOR CHRIST.”
INTRODUCTION: Between the poignant echoes of the last Old Testament prophecies and the opening narratives of the New Testament, there lies a significant period of silence—around four centuries where heaven seemed quiet, and the cries of Israel for deliverance appeared unanswered. This era, often referred to as the intertestamental period, was a time filled with longing and anticipation as Israel awaited the fulfillment of the prophecies promised through prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Micah. Their oracles foretold a Messiah who would restore and renew, bringing hope and salvation not only to Israel but to all nations.
The prophet Isaiah vividly described the coming Messiah as a great light to those walking in darkness (Isaiah 9:2), a righteous branch that would sprout from David’s line to bring justice and peace (Isaiah 11:1-10). These prophetic visions sustained the hope of the people, anchoring them in the belief of God's faithful promise to deliver His people.
And then, in the fullness of time, the silence was broken not by the clamor of a royal parade, but by the humble cries of a newborn baby in a manger. The birth of Jesus Christ marked the divine intrusion into human history, a pivotal moment that both ancient prophets and modern theologians hail as the dawn of redemption. This event, known as the Incarnation, represents the very heart of the Mission of Christmas: God sending His Son into the world in the most unassuming form—a baby, dependent and wrapped in swaddling clothes, yet destined to save and usher in the Kingdom of God.
In this context, the Mission of Christmas emerges not merely as a celebration of Jesus' birth, but as the fulfillment of long-held hopes and the divine response to centuries of waiting. It underscores a message of divine nearness and redemption, reminding us that in the times of our deepest waitings and longings, God's plans are unfolding in ways beyond our understanding. Celebrating Christmas propels us into this grand narrative of divine faithfulness and redemption, encouraging us to trust in the perfect timing of God and His unchanging promises.
"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." (John 1:14)
WHAT IS THE MISSION OF CHRISTMAS?
1. HOPE: LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS
"The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned." (Isaiah 9:2)
The first mission of Christmas is HOPE. The birth of Jesus fulfilled centuries-old prophecies about the coming Messiah, the one to rescue humanity from the darkness of sin. The shepherds who received news of Jesus' birth at night—the darkest hour—heard the angel proclaiming: "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people" (Luke 2:10). This good news was the arrival of the Savior, giving hope to all who received him.
The narrative of Christmas is steeped in the fulfillment of a long-awaited promise. The birth of Jesus was foretold by prophets hundreds of years before it came to pass. Isaiah prophesied, “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14). This promise was not only about the miraculous birth of a child but the coming of hope to a world ensnared by sin and darkness. Jesus’ arrival signified the dawn of salvation, a hope for all humanity that God was making a way to restore broken relationship and offer eternal life. As we celebrate Christmas, we are reminded of the hope we have in Christ, a hope that sustains us through trials and shines as a light in the darkest of times.
What does this mean for us today? Reflect on areas in your life where you may be walking through darkness—uncertainty, discouragement, or fear—and remember that Christmas reminds us of a Savior who lights up our paths. Let Christ's hope take root in your heart.
2. PEACE: RECONCILIATION THROUGH CHRIST
"Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests." (Luke 2:14)
The second mission of Christmas is PEACE. Jesus came to reconcile humanity—not only with God but also with one another. His birth marked the beginning of God's peace project, offering the gift of eternal peace through salvation. Ephesians 2:14 says, "For he himself is our peace."
This peace is a gift extended not only to us individually but to the world at large. Jesus’ life demonstrated this peacemaking mission: healing the sick, befriending outcasts, forgiving sins, and teaching love for both neighbor and enemy. His life spoke of unity, compassion, and breaking down barriers.
ILLUSTRATION: A touching example of this peace mission was during World War I when soldiers on opposing sides of the trenches laid down their weapons on Christmas Day, singing hymns and declaring a temporary truce. This extraordinary event reminds us that the peace Jesus brings can heal even the most divided and shattered lives.
Today, we live in a world craving this kind of peace. War, division, racism, broken relationships, and fear still abound. Yet, Christmas reminds us that the Prince of Peace has come, and as His followers, we are called to live out His peace in our relationships, communities, and the world.
Is there a relationship in your life that needs restoration? As Christmas approaches, ask the Prince of Peace to soften your heart and help you bring reconciliation where it is most needed.
3. LOVE: GOD’S GREATEST GIFT
"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)
The ultimate foundation of the Mission of Christmas is LOVE. Jesus' birth was a display of God’s unconditional, sacrificial love for us—a love that sent His Son into the world to redeem what was lost.
To understand the Mission of Christmas, we must first contemplate God's heart for us. In John 1:14, we read that "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us." This is the Incarnation: God, who is infinite and eternal, entered into the limits of humanity to make Himself known to us. Jesus, God’s only Son, did not come in glory or triumph. He came as a vulnerable baby, born in the humblest of ways, in a manger.
Consider how Jesus' birth reflects humility and selflessness. Born in a manger, to a young couple who had little status, His arrival reminds us that love is not about grandeur but about sacrifice and service. Jesus later demonstrated this same love by healing the sick, forgiving sinners, and ultimately dying for humanity.
This humility reflects the sacrificial nature of God's love. Consider the magnitude of God's act: He chose to draw near to us, to dwell with us, so we might experience His glory. This is the ultimate gift—not gifts we place under a tree, but God giving us the gift of Himself. Christmas invites us to see this love for what it truly is: a love so profound that it gave everything for our salvation.
Christ's love is a selfless, sacrificial love. He lived to serve others, to heal the most hurting, and to reconcile those who felt most unworthy. Consider the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4). She was an outcast, shunned by her own community, yet Jesus engaged her in conversation, offering her the "living water" of eternal life. This love, so freely given to her, transformed her and moved her to share the good news with her entire village.
At Christmas, we are called to mirror this radical love. Instead of focusing on what we might receive, we can look for how we can meet the needs of others, share the message of Christ’s love, and live as His representatives in the world.
In the spirit of Christmas, how can you reflect this love in your own life? Whether it's by giving generously, forgiving someone, or simply showing kindness, take time today to emulate the love that Jesus came to show.
APPLICATION: LIVING THE MISSION OF CHRISTMAS
As the Christmas season continues, let us remember that the celebration is more than external festivities; it is a spiritual calling. Jesus came to bring hope to the hopeless, peace to the restless, and love to the unloved. Through His life, we see the example of how we, too, can live out this mission in our world today.
Let us reflect on these truths throughout this season:
• Bring hope to someone facing despair with an encouraging word or act of kindness.
• Foster peace by seeking reconciliation in relationships or simply showing patience and understanding.
• Share love by giving generously, forgiving freely, and serving others wholeheartedly.
When Christmas becomes not just a celebration but a mission, we fulfill the purpose for which Christ came into the world. May His light shine through us as we live out the Mission of Christmas every day.
