Scripture: Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:23; Luke 1:30–31; Luke 2:11; John 1:29; John 3:16 INTRODUCTION: LOST IN THE BUSY SEASON Beloved, Christmas is one of the busiest seasons of the year. It comes with shopping lists, gift buying, cooking, baking, traveling, parties, decorations, and endless plans. In all this hustle and bustle, it is very easy to celebrate Christmas without Christ. MANY PEOPLE ARE EXHAUSTED BY CHRISTMAS, NOT REFRESHED. MANY FINISH THE SEASON BROKE FINANCIALLY BUT EMPTY SPIRITUALLY. Yet Christmas was never meant to drain us—it was meant to transform us. Today, we ask an important question: What is the true meaning of Christmas? The answer is simple, yet profound: Christmas Is About GOD’S LOVE FOR HUMANITY, Revealed Through THE BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST, The Savior Of The World. 1. CHRISTMAS IS ABOUT GOD’S LOVE REVEALED John 3:16 (NIV): “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son…” The true meaning of Christmas begins with love—not human love, but divine love. Christmas reminds us that God did not stay distant from our pain, sin, and brokenness. He loved us so deeply that He gave His only Son. Jesus’ birth was not accidental. It was intentional. IT WAS GOD STEPPING INTO HUMAN HISTORY TO CHANGE IT FOREVER. The manger was not the end of the story—it was the beginning of our salvation. 2. CHRISTMAS IS THE FULFILLMENT OF GOD’S PROMISE Luke 2:11 (NIV): “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” CHRISTMAS CELEBRATES A PROMISE KEPT. God promised a Savior through the prophets, and in Bethlehem, that promise was fulfilled. Christ’s birth changed how humanity relates to God. No longer through sacrifices alone, but through relationship. Jesus came as the long-awaited Messiah, the One who would rescue humanity from sin and restore us to God. WHEN WE CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS, WE CELEBRATE A FAITHFUL GOD WHO ALWAYS KEEPS HIS WORD. 3. THE HUMILITY AND WONDER OF THE NATIVITY Christmas is not a story of wealth or power—it is a story of humility, awe, and peace. Jesus was born: To a humble virgin named Mary In a small town called Bethlehem Laid in a manger, not a palace This teaches us that God values humility over pride. THE KING OF HEAVEN CHOSE THE LOWEST PLACE ON EARTH TO SHOW US THAT TRUE GREATNESS COMES THROUGH SURRENDER TO GOD. 4. “FOR TO US A CHILD IS BORN” — THE PERSON OF CHRIST Isaiah 9:6 (NIV): “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given…” This verse reveals the identity of Jesus: Wonderful Counselor – He guides us Mighty God – He has all power Everlasting Father – He cares eternally Prince of Peace – He brings lasting peace ONE WAY TO KEEP CHRIST IN MIND DURING CHRISTMAS IS TO REFLECT ON THESE TITLES. As families, we can take time each day to pray over one title and ask: What does this name of Jesus mean in my life today? 5. IMMANUEL — GOD WITH US Matthew 1:23 (NIV): “They will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). Christmas declares an incredible truth: GOD IS WITH US. GOD DID NOT SEND INSTRUCTIONS—HE SENT HIS SON. Jesus experienced hunger, pain, joy, sorrow, temptation, and suffering. He knows what it means to be human. What does it mean to you that the Creator of the universe humbled Himself to walk among us? This truth should fill us with gratitude, reverence, and worship. 6. MARY’S ‘YES’ — OUR RESPONSE TO GOD Luke 1:30–31 (NIV): “You will conceive and give birth to a Son, and you are to call Him Jesus.” Mary’s obedience made room for the miracle of Christmas. She said yes when it was inconvenient, risky, and misunderstood. This season invites us to ask ourselves: Where is God calling me to say yes? What obedience have I delayed? Where is God drawing my heart? Christmas is not only about what God did—IT IS ALSO ABOUT HOW WE RESPOND. 7. THE LAMB OF GOD — WHY JESUS CAME John 1:29 (NIV): “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” Christmas points forward to the cross. Jesus was born to die, so that we might live. John the Baptist declared the purpose of Christ’s coming: salvation. Christmas is not complete without remembering that the baby in the manger became the Lamb on the cross. 8. PRACTICAL WAYS TO KEEP CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS To keep the true meaning of Christmas alive, we must be intentional. 1. Make a Commitment to Put Christ First Decide in advance that Jesus will remain the center of your celebrations. 2. Daily Scripture Reading Read Matthew 1, Luke 1–2, and John 1. Make Scripture part of family meals, bedtime, or travel time. 3. Read a Christmas Devotional Use devotionals or Bible apps to keep your heart focused on Christ. 4. Stay Faithful to Church Do not sacrifice worship for busyness. Make church attendance a priority. 5. Maintain an Active Prayer Life ..........