Christmas is one of the most celebrated holidays in the world. [1] When one thinks of Christmas, gleaming bells, balls, and trees immediately come to mind, and the thought of Christ perhaps only appears in the subconscious. It may be because we have become so accustomed to the idea that Christ is the reason behind it that it now bores us, so we look for other means to entertain ourselves. Without a second thought, we acknowledge that Christmas is about Christ. But when we define Christmas, we center anything but Christ. Others focus on gifts, bonuses, or parties. Others focus on love and unity. Such things are good, and one cannot be wrong in upholding them. But we have to remember that the anti-Christ promotes love and unity, too. They, too, bestow gifts and bonuses and hold parties.
For us Christians, we must be clear about whose love and unity we advertise. Is it the love that rejoices in the truth (1 Cor. 13:6)? Is it unity in mind and thought about Christ (1 Cor. 1:10; 2 Cor. 13:11)? For what cause do we give gifts and bonuses and hold gatherings—that is, who do we glorify in doing such things? That should be Christ, the Only Son of God, who humbled Himself by coming into the world as a lowly man, even to the point of being birthed in a manger.
And the thought of Christ’s birth should remind us of His suffering, too—His carrying the cross that was supposed to be ours, being beaten and disfigured, and being nailed innocent but made guilty in our stead (Isa. 53)—all of such that healed us and made us alive.
Additionally, the thought of His birth and suffering should remind us of His resurrection, which fulfilled the prophecies—proving that He, indeed, was the promised Messiah. Consequently, this should lead us to remember His ascension and look up to the heavens with hope for His return as the glorified Son of God.
Christ’s birth, suffering, crucifixion, resurrection, ascension, and return are critical components of God’s plan of redemption. When we think of Christmas, we should think of Christ’s birth. And not only His birth but also His suffering, crucifixion, resurrection, ascension, and second coming. All of which point us to God’s grace and mercy.
During the Reformation Conference Cebu 2023, Pastor Mel Caparros regarded these components as the “crucial realities surrounding the Solus Christus principle,” which the Reformers in the 16th century fought for in the name of Christ. [2] Rightly so! To this, he added by saying, “Jesus alone should be the foundation of our faith and worship.” Anything we do daily should be done by faith and as a form of worship to Christ, and Christmas is not an exception.
That said, although we have the daily obligation to uphold these truths, we should never forget to uphold them at Christmas. Let us never forget for a moment to put Christ at the center and the truth that comes with Him. We should rally like the reformers to proclaim who He is, and what He has done and continues to do for us so that every knee should bow (Phil. 2:10). Christ deserves it, and He alone deserves it.
Let Jesus take the proper place that is due Him and that is over and above every man, thing, person, planet and equal to God the Father and God the Holy Spirit.”—Pastor Mel Caparros
Let the proclamation for Christmas be:
Give to the Lord the glory due His name;
Bring an offering, and come before Him.
Oh, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness!”
—1 Chronicles 16:29
