With the Christmas season now upon us, we often hear people say, “Remember the reason for the season.” This reason, they say, is not the presents or the family get-togethers, but it is the wonder of Jesus Christ coming to earth as a baby.
But how is it that this reason makes the season? To put it differently, how empty would this season be without the reason, Jesus Christ? Let’s imagine…
First off, without the birth of Jesus there is no death of Jesus. This is important because our greatest enemy is not the folks down in Washington but our own rebellion against God. Without Jesus’ death, there is no adequate sacrifice to reconcile us to God.
Secondly, there would be no hope for true transformation to happen within individuals. Yes, people still would do some good things, but it would only be in reference to their own interest. We would not be able to love as God requires because we would not have been shown true, transformational love. We would be the continual Scrooge, inward-bent and self-pleasing.
We also would have no hope of mercy triumphing, for all around us sin and death would reign with an iron fist. Selfishly and at all costs, we would lust after feats of athleticism, career accomplishments, or outward beauty because we would know that this life is all there is. All funerals would be bleak without any hope, darker than the darkest night.
Like a felon awaiting his court date, we would simply be biding our time here on earth until we stood naked, exposed, and guilty before our Holy Judge.
As the Apostle Paul puts it, we would have no hope and be without God in this world (Ephesians 2:12).
What marvelous news it is that this is not the case! The invisible God has graciously come down and made himself visible. Wondrous hope has broken in! No wonder the angel proclaimed to the shepherds 2,000 years ago: “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” May we remember the Reason this season.
