The Reason for the Season is Christ
When a man named Mark sat down to write about Jesus’ life on earth, these were his first words: “The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God” (Mark 1:1 NIV). Mark’s gospel biography of Jesus doesn’t include a lengthy account of his birth. (The Gospel writer Luke gives us that.) Mark’s gospel biography doesn’t inform us of the worshipful visit young Jesus received during his infancy by wise men from the East. (The Gospel writer Matthew tells about that.) Mark’s history of Jesus doesn’t sketch out Jesus’ genealogy (his family tree of human ancestors). Matthew and Luke each give such details. Mark simply begins with a statement of the main theme he wants his book to convey: This is the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
Those few words say a lot. The whole message is about a person—a very special person who is, in fact, more than just a human person. He is the Son of God. His name is Jesus—a name that means Savior, the one who rescues us. He is called the Messiah (Hebrew) or Christ (Greek). That title of “the Anointed One” refers to the central figure in human history, the one who is both God and man, the one who bridges the gap between God and human beings, the one whom the heavenly Father appointed before time began to be the Redeemer of the human race (cf. Ephesians 1:3-14).
In the fullness of time, in the birth of Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of God’s promises had begun. It is the gospel—the glorious good news that all our troubles and woes have been met with an answer by a loving God. The LORD never stopped loving us, his people, even through times we’ve wandered from him and haven’t followed his ways. That is good news, that sinners such as ourselves, frail and fallible humans that we are, have hope. Salvation has come in the person of Jesus Christ, born in Bethlehem, the Son of God.
As you observe Christmas and carry on celebrations of this season, remember what it’s all about. It’s not just about decorating our homes and neighborhoods with lights and wreaths. It’s not just about festive meals and eggnog and holiday traditions. The reason for the season is Jesus—Christ, the Messiah, the Son of God. As angels sang on the night of Jesus’ birth: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14 KJV). We, like the shepherds who first heard the angels’ song, are simple, ordinary folk. But we have received news of an extraordinary, wonderful truth. Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and we have hope forever through him.
Merry Christmas!
