Jesus Is the Reason for the Season: A Fresh Look At an Enduring Truth

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” - Luke 2:11

We’ve all seen it - plastered on everything from coffee mugs to doorway signs at the mall: “Jesus is the Reason for the Season!” It’s right up there with “Keep Christ in Christmas” in the pantheon of well-meaning Christian catchphrases that sometimes make us wince, even as we nod in agreement.

Perhaps you’ve caught yourself thinking, “Well, of course He is - did we need a rhinestone-studded throw pillow to remind us?” And yet, in our rushed modern world of Amazon wish lists and matching family pajama photos, maybe we do need that gentle nudge back to center. Merry Christmas reminds us to recognize the deeper meanings behind traditional customs and to spread joy and blessings during this festive time.

The phrase “Jesus is the Reason for the Season” first gained popularity in the 1970s as a Christian response to growing commercialization of Christmas. While some might chuckle at fighting consumerism with consumable merchandise, the heart behind the message remains profound and true.

It aimed to shift attention back to the birth of Jesus Christ as the true reason for celebration, rather than shopping and material gifts.

The Gift of a Savior Born

Luke 2:11 presents us with the most extraordinary birth announcement in history: “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Notice the personal nature of this proclamation - “unto you.” Not just for the shepherds who first heard it, not just for the people of that time, but for you. For each of us.

This isn’t just historical fact, it’s present reality. The birth of Christ wasn’t simply an event that happened 2,000 years ago; it’s a gift that continues to transform lives today. When we say Jesus is the reason for the season, we’re not just stating the obvious historical origin of Christmas. We’re declaring that He remains the living center of not just this celebration, but of all life, as the everlasting savior who brings eternal peace and hope.

The True Meaning of Christmas

Christmas is a time of great joy and celebration for many people around the world. However, the true meaning of Christmas is often lost in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. At its core, Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. It is a time to reflect on the significance of Jesus’ birth and the impact it has on our lives.

The true meaning of Christmas is not just about gifts, decorations, and festive foods, but about the gift of eternal life that Jesus offers us. It is a time to remember the sacrifice that Jesus made for us, and the hope and peace that he brings to our lives.

Jesus’ birth is a pivotal event in human history. It marks the beginning of a new era of hope and redemption for humanity. Through his birth, Jesus brought light into a world filled with darkness and sin. He came to offer us a way out of our sinful nature and to provide us with a path to eternal life.

The significance of Jesus’ birth is not just limited to his time on earth. His birth has a profound impact on our lives today. It reminds us of the love and sacrifice that God has for us, and the hope that we have in him.

Beyond the Buzzwords

Yes, we might smile at how this profound truth has been reduced to a catchy slogan on seasonal merchandise. But perhaps there’s something beautiful about how this message shows up everywhere - from serious theological discussions to simple decorations. It’s as if the truth is so big it can’t help but overflow into every corner of our lives, even our shopping.

The irony isn’t lost on us that we often declare “Jesus is the reason for the season” while standing in long lines for Black Friday sales. But maybe that’s exactly where this reminder needs to be - right in the midst of our human mixture of spiritual longing and material pursuits, reflecting on Jesus as the One who brings peace and comfort.

As we navigate another Christmas season, let’s embrace both the profound truth and the sometimes amusing ways we express it. Instead of just nodding at the familiar phrase, let’s allow it to challenge us:

• How does Jesus being “the reason” change our daily choices during this season?
• What would it look like to truly center our celebrations around Christ?
• How can we share this truth in ways that feel authentic rather than cliché, and bring peace to our lives and the world around us?
• How can we involve our families in understanding the true meaning of Christmas and inspire them to live out its message throughout the year?

Biblical Prophecies and Verses about Jesus

The Bible is filled with prophecies and verses about Jesus. From the Old Testament to the New Testament, Jesus is the central figure of the Bible. Here are a few examples of biblical prophecies and verses about Jesus:

• Isaiah 7:14 - “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”
• Micah 5:2 - “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too small to be among the clans of Judah, from you for me one will go out to be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from old, from ancient times.”
• Luke 2:11 - “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.”
• John 1:14 - “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

These prophecies and verses remind us of the significance of Jesus’ birth and the impact it has on our lives. They remind us of the hope and peace that Jesus brings, and the eternal life that he offers us.

A Fresh Perspective on the Christmas Season

Perhaps the very ubiquity of “Jesus is the Reason for the Season” serves a divine purpose. Like the star over Bethlehem, it keeps pointing us back to the truth, even when we’re distracted by the glitter and rush of modern Christmas celebrations.

The next time you see those words emblazoned on a holiday sweater or garden flag, let it be more than just a familiar saying. Let it be a reminder that the greatest gift ever given wasn’t wrapped in shiny paper but in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger - a gift still transforming lives today. Attending Christmas worship services, participating in Bible study and devotions, or sharing the Christmas story with family and friends can help us remember God’s plan for our salvation and prepare our hearts and actions accordingly.

After all, Jesus isn’t just the reason for the season - He’s the reason for everything. And that’s worth celebrating, whether it’s on a coffee mug or in the depths of our hearts.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for being not just the reason for this season, but the reason for our hope, our joy, and our salvation. Help us to see past familiar phrases to the profound truth they contain, and to center our lives on You - during Christmas and always. Amen.