Why Christ was Born

By Jesse LeMay

                Sleigh bells are ringing, rooftops are glistening, carolers are singing, and families are coalescing. Yep, Christmas time is here again. For many, especially the little ones, this is their favorite part of the year. Trees get cut down and dragged into the house (unless they are stowed away in a box somewhere in the basement or garage). Lights and decorations are strung everywhere. Endless shopping and last-minute gift wrapping fill the days and nights leading up to the big gathering. Despite all the festivities, Christmas is recognized by many as representing the birth of Christ.

                While it is true that millions around the world associate Christmas with Jesus’ birth, nowhere in the Bible are we given such a date. Nor do we read about Christians celebrating this birth in any way. In contrast, what we do read is Christ’s followers gathering together in worship on the first day of every week for the main purpose of taking the Lord’s supper in remembrance of Jesus’ death. That being said, as long as we understand that there is no biblical credence to celebrating Christmas, there is no harm in spending time with family and loved ones enjoying the holiday.

                One positive that comes out of Christmas is that many are thinking about Jesus and His birth. Having the Lord in the forefront of our minds is never a bad thing. A question that hopefully is brought to fruition is, “Why was Jesus born?” The Gospels of Matthew and Luke give fabulous details in their openings about the birth of Jesus. Certainly inspired by God and worth reading, there are other passages in Scripture which tell us about “Why” Christ was born and came to earth. In fact, Jesus Himself gives us such a description.

                Also recorded in Luke’s Gospel, in speaking to Zaccheus, Jesus told him that, “the Son of Man has come to seek and save that which was lost” (19:10). Jesus was speaking to Zaccheus, but in simplicity, that is why the Christ was born. Jesus is seeking those who are in need of a Savior. Unfortunately, that is everyone, as all are guilty of sin. While Jesus does seek the lost, we must do our part by seeking after Him. May we strive to remember why the Christ was born every day, and not just at the end of each December.