Believers, who choose to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ during Christmas, are extremely grateful for the First Advent of the Son of God. “But when the fulness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, in order that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption of sons” (Galatians 4:4-5). Born in bondage to sin, the repentant one puts His faith in the Messiah Jesus, in order to be “reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:20).  Joy and peace are received when the Christian understands who Jesus claimed to be and why He came to earth.

First of all, Jesus Christ is the Christian’s Salvation. “You shall call His name Jesus, for it is He who will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). He has rescued the believer from sin and from eternal damnation. This salvation is offered to all. “For my eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou has prepared in the presence of all peoples” (Luke 2:30-31). Only Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life! He said, “No one comes to the Father, but through Me” (John 14:6).

Secondly, Jesus Christ is the Christian’s Sacrifice. “And at that very moment she (Anna) came up and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem” (Luke 2:38). He has redeemed the believer by offering Himself as the ransom for sin. “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

Finally, Jesus Christ is the Christian’s Sovereign. “He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever; and His kingdom will have no end” (Luke 1:32-33). The celebration of Christmas also acknowledges that Jesus Christ will return in His Second Advent to judge the world with justice, and He shall reign forever. The Old Testament prophets clearly proclaimed that Messiah will rule in righteousness.

Jesus Christ truly is “Emmanuel... God with us” (Matthew 1:23). He has become the Christian’s Rescuer, Redeemer and Ruler. May every believer rejoice that the Messiah has appeared, “bringing salvation to all men” (Titus 2:12). May this message be proclaimed throughout the world in preparation for the “blessed hope and (second) appearing of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus” (Titus 2:13).