Meaning of Christmas

Sirs,

The Christmas season is, once again, nearly upon us. Throughout the country at this time, as Christmas shops and shoppers frantically sell and buy on the markets of time, the masses will be taken up, in one way or another, with two things only: giving and receiving. Gifts, gifts, gifts is the order of the day. The price and the cost of the ‘right gift’ will not, at least for the moment, be a big concern.

Although we don’t believe (and neither does the Bible) that the date of Jesus Christ’s birth on 25 December is correct, there is however no question about His coming into the world and why He came, some 2,000 years ago. No doubt the Christmas message is a powerful reminder of God’s greatest gift to a sin-sick world.

How we all ought to pause and thank God for that ‘special day’ when He gave the best and greatest gift of all: “For God so loved the world...” (John 3v16). Mark it carefully, the world. Filled with violence, terrorism, discrimination, greed, poverty, religion, atheism, secularism, humanism - such a world of people God loved. This is not just a sentimental emotion; it is true love, demonstrated by the fact “that He gave His only begotten Son...” (John 3v16) The reason God gave His Son is “that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3v16).

Yes, the greatest gift of ‘Christmas’ is Christ, as Dr Luke in chapter 2v11 reminds us: “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” Matthew 1:21 tells us why He came: “and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” Again in Matthew 1v23 we find that he was to be called Emmanuel, which means "God with us." Christ was born of the Virgin Mary as God in human form to save us from the guilt, penalty, power and ultimately the presence of sin. This is why the Apostle Paul referred to Christ as the “unspeakable gift."

We are all in danger of perishing eternally without God because of our sin. The spiritual condition of every individual is “dead in trespasses and sins.” God however, in His grace and mercy, decided to address our greatest need, by making provision and in doing so paying the ultimate price. We all know that everything on display for the shopper has a price-tag. So too, salvation - as God’s gift – it had to be purchased.

God gave His Son to Bethlehem in His birth, and to the cross in His death. His death was essential because of our sins. Someone had to pay the price to free us from the penalty of sin “For the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6v23). The Lord Jesus stepped in to pay that price as the “one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; who gave Himself a ransom for all” (1Timothy 2v5-6). The ransom having been paid by Christ Himself at Calvary, God can now offer a free gift. “The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

The Bible reminds us that it is faith alone - in Christ alone - that secures the gift. The great question is: How will you respond to God’s free gift today? To every sinner who comes with “repentance toward God, and faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 20v21) God promises that this gift will then be yours. Faith is the empty hand that reaches out to receive God's gift of life. It is the personal acceptance of His offer. Millions have already received this Gift and been made eternally grateful for the blessing it has brought them. Eternal life as a present possession, the forgiveness of sins, peace with God, and much more are all wrapped up in this invaluable gift of God's beloved Son.

During this 'festive' month may we all seek this one gift that none of us can do without – truly it is the greatest and best gift of all!

Mr Donald J Morrison

85 Old Edinburgh Road

Inverness

Letter: The meaning of Christmas

10 December 2016