Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays: What Are We Celebrating Anyway?

Christmas trees are now holiday trees at your local lot. Parents have consented to giving Santa Claus credit for their hard-earned money. In the past the “Christ” in Christmas evolved into “X-mas,” now the whole phrase has been dismissed for the politically correct “Happy Holidays.” Amidst political correctness, multiple religions, and consumer spending, what are we celebrating anyway?

It’s in the name. Even its newly abridged title of “holiday” illuminates the true reason for this season. ‘Holiday’ is derived from ‘holy day,’ which means a day that is sacred—set apart or special. December 25th is the day we celebrate the birth of a man born over 2000 years ago. This birthday is celebrated internationally and has endured a millennium over. As your and my birthdays are not celebrated in this way, what makes this man so special?

His Birth Was Predicted Thousands of Years in Advance: The prophet Isaiah spoke of the One who would come to deliver people from bondage and oppression and establish a kingdom of peace: “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6).

He Was to be a King: God had told Israel’s greatest ruler, King David, that a descendant of his would rule the kingdom forever. This fulfillment had not come until an angel told Mary, “Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end’” (Luke 1:30-33).

He Was to Give the World Salvation: As evidenced by the state of the world today, mankind is in need of salvation, which literally means healing. Jesus Christ was the promised One who would pay for our sins that we might be healed: “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:4-6).

Everything in His life was Miraculous—Beginning at His Birth and Continuing after His Death: Jesus was born of a virgin; exhibited the power of God—healing all diseases, casting out demons, and preaching the kingdom of God; chose to die a death He did not deserve; and was raised back to life on the third day. From earth, He went up into heaven where He sits at the right hand of God. From heaven, He offers salvation to all who will call upon His name: “For ‘whoever calls on the name of the LORD will be saved’” (Romans 10:13).

A Gift for You?

Just as you give gifts to your loved ones, God is offering you a gift as well: the gift of complete forgiveness, freedom from sin, and eternal life with Him in heaven. Just like you must accept a Christmas gift for it to be yours, you must accept God’s gift of salvation. Here is how you can accept this free gift this Christmas:

1. God Loves You!

The Bible says, "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"

The Bible says “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” God is perfect and holy, and our sins separate us from God forever. The Bible says “The wages of sin is death.”

The good news is that, about 2,000 years ago,

3. God sent His only Son Jesus Christ to die for our sins.

Jesus is the Son of God. He lived a sinless life and then died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. “God demonstrates His own love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.”

Jesus rose from the dead and now He lives in heaven with God His Father. He offers us the gift of eternal life -- of living forever with Him in heaven if we accept Him as our Lord and Savior. Jesus said "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except by Me."

God reaches out in love to you and wants you to be His child. "As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe on His name." You can choose to ask Jesus Christ to forgive your sins and come in to your life as your Lord and Savior.

"Lord Jesus, I believe you are the Son of God. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins.  Please forgive my sins and give me the gift of eternal life.  I ask you in to my life and heart to be my Lord and Savior. I want to serve you always."