It’s easy to lose track of the meaning of Christmas in the crazy times we live. Even folk like me – the most dyed-in-the-wool believers – can get caught up in things that distract us from a fitting focus.
If we aren’t careful, holiday controversies and the “War on Christmas” will get our dander up, and have us offended and in fighting mode, instead of the proper posture that reveals God’s great love to the world (Jn 3:16). Things like this can also shift our attention away from the grateful and joyful hearts that God wants for Christmas.
With a desire to bring my own heart into proper alignment, and a hope to help others, I have compiled nine reasons that Jesus came. I hope you find it impacting.
TO DO THE WILL OF HIS FATHER
“For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.” (Jn 6:38 KJV see also Jn 8:42)
TO FULFILL THE LAW OF GOD
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” (Mat 5:17 NIV)
TO CALL SINNERS TO REPENT
“When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, ‘They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.’” (Mark 2:17 KJV)
TO ELIMINATE OUR COMFORT ZONE
“I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is completed! Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division.” (Luke 12:49-51 NIV also Matt 10:34)
TO BE A LIGHT FOR HOPE, HEALING AND ABUNDANT LIFE
“I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.” (John 12:46 NIV)
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:18-19 NIV also Mk 1:38)
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10 NIV)
TO TURN DEATH INTO LIFE
“Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour.“ (John 12:27 NIV)
“And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.” (John 12:47 KJV)
TO MAKE DISCIPLES
“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’” (Mat 28:18-20 NIV)
TO RULE AND BRING TRUTH
“You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” (John 18:37 NIV)
TO SAVE THE WORLD
“For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” (John 3:17)
Merry Christmas My Friends!
– Rodney