The Purpose of Christmas: Salvation

With all of the cheer that surrounds the Christmas season, it becomes increasingly difficult to find Christ in Christmas.  To the world, this time of year is nothing more than a commercialized holiday full of eggnog, glitter, lights, reindeer, and a jolly old man with a white beard.  However, to the Christian – this time of the year is set aside to celebrate and worship Jesus Christ our Savior who was born.In our series through the Gospel of John on Sunday mornings, we covered John 3:17-21 this past Sunday.  Although much was addressed in the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus – one often overlooked point was that Jesus proclaimed the purpose of Christmas to the religious Pharisee.John 3:17 – For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.Therefore, as we consider the true purpose of Christmas – we must remember that it was not about eggnog, glitter, lights, or little elves who build toys.  The purpose of Christmas was about salvation.  It was a saving mission.  Christmas was a redemptive mission.  Christmas was a Devil crushing, sin atoning, grave defeating, God propitiating, sinner saving mission.  That is why angels were filled with joyful song.  That is why Jesus came – to save us from our sin!Matthew 1:21 – And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Hark The Herald Angels SingCharles WesleyHark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King:Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!”Joyful, all ye nations, rise, Join the triumph of the skies;With th’angelic host proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem!”Refrain:Hark! the herald angels sing,”Glory to the newborn King.Christ, by highest heav’n adored; Christ, the Everlasting Lord!Late in time behold Him come, Offspring of the Virgin’s womb:Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; Hail th’Incarnate Deity,Pleased as man with men to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel.Hail, the heav’nborn Prince of Peace! Hail, the Sun of Righteousness!Light and life to all He brings, Ris’n with healing in His wings.Mild he lays His glory by, Born that man no more may die,Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to give them second birth.Come, Desire of nations, come, Fix in us Thy humble home;Rise, the woman’s conqu’ring Seed, Bruise in us the serpent’s head.Adam’s likeness now efface, Stamp Thine image in its place:Second Adam from above, Reinstate us in Thy love.. . . . . . . . . . . . . .Praise Him!Merry Christmas.Rev. Josh Buice